Family of late Iwuanyanwu reacts to viral claim of denying wife from remarrying

Executors of the last will and testament of the late president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have dismissed the reports claiming that the respected businessman included a clause in his will, barring his wife, Frances Iwuanyanwu, from remarrying.

Earlier reports claimed that late Iwuanyanwu had included a controversial clause in his will which demanded the widow to forfeit her inheritance, including the Legacy House in Owerri and business assets like Magil Furniture if she chose to remarry.

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The claim, sparked public outrage, with many criticising the supposed condition as patriarchal and unjust.

Clarifying, the executors in a statement on Monday, July 7th described this claim as “entirely false” and intended to tarnish the memory and legacy of the elder statesman. “We want to state unequivocally, and for the record, that this claim is entirely false and aimed at bringing disrepute to our revered departed statesman and degrading his generational legacies,” the statement read.

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They stressed that there is no mention in the will that restricts Frances from remarrying. “Such an assertion is not only factually incorrect but also deeply disrespectful to his memory and the legacy of love, dignity, and truth for which he lived and died,” they noted.

The statement which was signed by Rev. Emmanuel Maduwike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Lemmy Akakem, and Bon Unachukwu also mentioned that the viral reports lack any proof or connection to actual facts.

“We have observed with understandable dismay the circulation of false and misleading reports in the media… suggesting that Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu included in his Will a restriction barring Chief (Mrs.) Frances Iwuanyanwu from remarrying among other unfounded narratives.”

The executors also faulted what they described as “speculation, half-truths, and tone-deaf commentary,” and urged the public to respect the mourning period of the family.

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“It is both painful and unfortunate that during this period of mourning, when the family of our revered, departed statesman should be allowed peace and privacy, some individuals have chosen to exploit their grief by peddling sensationalism and distortion for cheap publicity,” they said.

They further explained that the will was a private document prepared with “care, love, and deep thoughtfulness” not only for the family but for causes close to the late Iwuanyanwu’s heart.

“Our revered departed statesman was a man of great Christian faith, filled with compassion, honour, and integrity… His legacy of philanthropy, deeply rooted in his Christian values, was never for public display but for the service of God and humanity.”

The executors pledged to preserve his legacy through the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Foundation and ensure that his young son is raised in the values he stood for.