BONA NAIJA – A year after the passing of elder statesman and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief (Engr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the content of his last Will and testament has officially been made public, bringing closure to speculations surrounding the distribution of his vast estate.
The Will, administered by legal luminary Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), details a comprehensive and intentional distribution of assets among Iwuanyanwu’s wife, children, and selected beneficiaries, reflecting what many have described as his “characteristic sense of fairness and foresight.”
According to the Will, the late business mogul and philanthropist bequeathed his iconic Port Harcourt Road residence in Owerri—popularly referred to as “Legacy House”—to his wife, Lolo Frances Iwuanyanwu. He further included a binding directive that the property must never be sold, indicating its symbolic and sentimental importance.
Lolo Frances was also granted ownership of Magil Furniture, a company originally established and operated by Iwuanyanwu’s late first wife, Eudora. In addition, she received shares in multiple landed properties in Orji, Works Layout, and Naze, all within the capital city of Imo State.
Their son inherited the elder statesman’s official residence in Abuja, while the family’s London property is to be sold. The Will stipulates that 60% of the proceeds from the sale must be dedicated to funding the education of Iwuanyanwu’s youngest son. His first son, Jide, is entitled to 30%, and 10% is allocated to Ezinne, who currently resides in the property, to assist her in securing alternative accommodation.
Another key element of the Will is the Glass House located near the Orji flyover, which is to be handed over to a public trust and managed by a board of directors for charitable purposes. The move is seen as a reflection of Iwuanyanwu’s enduring commitment to philanthropy.
Other properties across Abuja, Imo, and various parts of Nigeria were equitably distributed among his five children. Sources close to the family reveal that the beneficiaries have expressed satisfaction and gratitude for their father’s thoughtful and impartial approach to the estate.
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However, the Will also contains a striking clause: Lolo Frances would forfeit all inherited properties if she chooses to remarry—a condition that has sparked some discussion but remains a private family matter.
It was also disclosed that 15 additional properties were not included in the final Will. Insiders suggest that Iwuanyanwu may have been unable to finalize decisions on these assets due to the illness that ultimately led to his demise.
Efforts to reach members of the Iwuanyanwu family for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a revered engineer, publisher, and political figure, died in 2024 at the age of 81. His legacy continues to resonate across the country, particularly within Igbo communities and Nigeria’s broader socio-political landscape.
*** Additional Report from THE WILL **
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