The final Will of the late elder statesman and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief (Engr. Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR has been made public, revealing significant personal, legal, and philanthropic directives, including a controversial clause that bars his wife, Lolo Frances Iwuanyanwu, from remarrying.
The Will, formally released on June 16, 2025, by its administrator, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), outlines in detail how the late businessman, politician, and revered Igbo leader wished his expansive estate to be distributed.
At the heart of the Will is the symbolic “Legacy House” located on Port Harcourt Road, Owerri. This property was bequeathed to Lolo Frances with the strict condition that it must never be sold. Alongside the Legacy House, Frances also received ownership of Magil Furniture, a family business originally operated by Iwuanyanwu’s late first wife, Eudora. She was also granted partial rights to other real estate holdings across Orji, Works Layout, and Naze, all in Imo State.
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However, these inheritances come with a stringent clause: should Frances remarry, she would automatically forfeit all properties and privileges bequeathed to her under the Will. This condition has sparked a range of reactions among legal analysts and family observers, given its implications on spousal rights and cultural expectations.
In terms of other family beneficiaries, the couple’s son was handed ownership of the family residence in Abuja, while the London property was instructed to be sold. The Will stipulates a specific breakdown of the London home’s proceeds: 60% is to fund the education of Iwuanyanwu’s youngest son, 30% to go to his first son, Jide, and 10% to Ezinne, who currently lives in the property, to assist her in relocating.
In a notable act of philanthropy, Chief Iwuanyanwu directed that his iconic “Glass House” near the Orji flyover in Owerri be transformed into a public trust. This facility is to be managed by an independent board and dedicated to charitable initiatives and community development efforts in line with his lifelong commitment to public service and Igbo advancement.
Additional assets, including properties in Abuja, Imo, and other parts of Nigeria, were equitably distributed among his five children. In a joint statement, the children described the Will as “honorable and just,” emphasizing their respect for their father’s legacy and intentions.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu passed away in April 2024 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy marked by business acumen, national service, and advocacy for the Igbo people. His Will reflects not only the complexity of his personal relationships but also his enduring commitment to family, community, and heritage.
TheEconomicTimesNigeria
