One year after the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a prominent elder statesman and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, his last will was disclosed to his family on June 16, 2025. The late businessman and politician passed away on July 25, 2024, at age 82.
Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, announced his will, outlining the distribution of Iwuanyanwu’s estate among his family and selected beneficiaries. Iwuanyanwu was married to his first wife, Lady Eudora Nnenna Ozinyereaku Iwuanyanwu, for over 40 years until her death on August 28, 2011. In 2013, at age 72, he married 26-year-old Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem.
The will includes specific provisions for Frances, granting her ownership of the notable Legacy House on Port Harcourt Road in Owerri, Imo State. However, she is prohibited from selling the property.
Additionally, Frances inherits Magil Furniture, a business previously managed by Eudora, and partial shares in real estate properties in Orji, Works Layout, and Naze, all in Imo State. A key condition states that if Frances remarries, she will lose all these inheritances. The couple’s son inherits the family’s residence in Abuja.
They will also direct that the London property be sold, with the proceeds allocated as follows: 60% for the education of Iwuanyanwu’s youngest son, 30% to his first son, Jide, and 10% to Ezinne, the current resident, to assist with her relocation. Iwuanyanwu instructed that the Glass House near the Owerri flyover be converted into a public trust, managed by an independent board for charitable and community purposes.
Other valuable properties across Abuja, Imo, and various parts of Nigeria are fairly divided among Iwuanyanwu’s five children. The announcement has drawn attention, particularly due to the remarriage restriction placed on Frances.
