Iwuanyanwu’s family reveals cause of late Ohanaeze leader’s death

• He died from long trek to visit Kanu in custody – Son

• Appeals to Tinubu to grant his father’s wish and release the IPOB leader

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

At last, the family of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has painfully revealed the real cause of his death, which they have attributed to the long trek he embarked on to visit the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Eldest son of Iwuanyanwu, Jidechukwu, said his father suffered emotionally and physically during his final visit to Kanu in the custody of the DSS, trekking over five hundred metres to meet him one on one.

He said his father defied his age and health to see the IPOB leader in detention.

“My dad’s last outing was to the DSS facility to see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. They did not allow him to drive into the facility, so he was forced to walk for over 20 minutes to reach Kanu. Despite the strain, he was determined to speak with him. It was a father-son moment as they shared heartfelt discussions.

“However, after returning home, my father complained about his heart and went to rest. The next morning, he fell critically ill and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained until his death,” Jidechukwu revealed.

Despite being bedridden, Jidechukwu said his father kept pushing for Kanu’s release and never stopped thinking of the projects he had for Ndigbo.

“Even from his hospital bed, my father continued his push for Kanu’s release and the establishment of the South East Development Commission, which he believed would foster progress in Ala Igbo and beyond.

Although his father, he said, had died struggling for the release of Kanu, he pointed out that he had no regrets and wished President Ahmed Tinubu would honour him and reciprocate his father’s gesture to Ndigbo by releasing him.

“We appeal to the Federal Government to adopt a political solution to Kanu’s case; it will bring fairness, equity, and justice and promote peace in the South East.

He also added that Kanu’s release would help address the lingering unrest in the South East, including the Monday sit-at-home protests that have paralysed economic activities in the region.

“My father was a man of peace who devoted his life to the betterment of Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole. His efforts as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo were geared towards fostering development and unity. His businesses employed Nigerians from all regions, reflecting his belief in a united Nigeria,” Jidechukwu said.

“As Mazi Nnamdi Kanu appears in court, I urge the Federal Government not to let my father’s death be in vain. Granting his wish by releasing Kanu will not only honour his legacy but also bring much-needed peace to our nation and the Igbo people,” Jidechukwu pleaded.