The recently unveiled will of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, billionaire businessman and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a year after his passing has sparked conversation with a controversial clause.
The document, which was made public on June 16, 2025 through his Will administrator, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), details how the revered businessman and politician’s estate will be shared among his immediate family and selected beneficiaries.
According to reports, Iwuanyanwu bequeathed his Port Harcourt Road residence in Owerri—fondly referred to as “Legacy House”—to his wife, Lolo Frances. In the Will, the late elderstateman expressly instructed that the property must never be sold.
Lolo Frances was also handed ownership of Magil Furniture, a business formerly operated by Iwuanyanwu’s late first wife, Eudora.
Additionally, she received shares in various landed properties located in Orji, Works Layout, and Naze—all within Owerri.
Her son inherited his father’s official residence in Abuja. The family’s London property is to be sold, with 60 per cent of the proceeds set aside for the education of Iwuanyanwu’s last son.
His first son, Jide, is to receive 30 per cent of the sum, while 10 per cent goes to Ezinne, who currently resides in the property, to enable her secure alternative accommodation.
The will also stipulates that the Glass House near the Orji flyover be placed in a public trust, to be managed by a board of directors for charitable purposes.
Several other properties in Abuja, Imo, and other parts of the country were equitably distributed among his five children, who reportedly expressed joy and gratitude over their late father’s sense of fairness, honour, and compassion.
It was further revealed that 15 additional properties were not included in the final Will. Sources say the elder statesman may have been unable to finalize decisions regarding these assets due to the illness that eventually led to his death.
Interestingly, Chief Iwuanyanwu also included a condition in the Will: that his wife, Lolo Frances, would forfeit all properties willed to her should she choose to remarry. The condition of the will have sparked debate on social media with many netizens taking sides. While some condemned the deceased’ action, others applauded the idea, stating that the late chief even in death protected his family legacy.
