The release of the Indigenous People Of Biafra leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from detention was one of the “last wishes of the late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,” according to Most Rev. David O.C. Onuoha, the Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province.
Onuoha made this statement during a service of songs held in honor of Iwuanyanwu.
Reflecting on Iwuanyanwu’s final days, Archbishop Onuoha noted, “Those close to Chief Iwuanyanwu, in his last days, would have realized that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whom he fondly called ‘my son,’ was one thing he worked very hard to secure.” Onuoha urged, “Our political, traditional, religious, business, academic leaders, and other sections of Igbo elite should join forces to secure the release of this prisoner of conscience.”
The Archbishop emphasized the injustice of Kanu’s continued detention, despite court rulings calling for his release.
“It is sad, unfortunate, and embarrassing that this young man is still languishing in detention against a number of court rulings. It is only a person of Igbo extraction that can suffer this way in Nigeria,” he lamented.
Onuoha described Iwuanyanwu as a genuine Nigerian whose support for youth development through scholarships, sports, and employment was free from ethnic or religious bias.
“This great man lying motionless here deserves to be honored even at death,” he said, addressing the Igbo youth. He urged them to remember Iwuanyanwu, affectionately called “Ahaejiagamba,” who had championed opportunities for them.
Calling for unity and peace, Onuoha appealed to Igbo leaders to work toward restoring calm and curbing violence throughout Ala Igbo as a tribute to Iwuanyanwu’s legacy.
“Ensuring the return of peace and an end to the destruction of lives and property across the length and breadth of Ala Igbo is the best way of respecting him, as he earnestly desired this while he was with us,” he said.
He also highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s vision for Ala Igbo’s development, commerce, and industry. “It was his wish that Ala Igbo becomes the choice destination in development, commerce, and industry. Our captains of industry, political leaders, and other prominent Igbo sons and daughters should come together and brainstorm on how to make this happen,” he urged.
Recalling Iwuanyanwu’s contributions, Onuoha noted that, unlike businessmen from other parts of Nigeria who promoted their regions, Iwuanyanwu established media outlets, a football club, and an airline to uplift Igboland. In Imo State, his impact was extensive, leaving behind landmarks like blood banks, iconic buildings, and the airport, all bearing his influence.
Archbishop Onuoha also celebrated Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the church, describing him as a “Nehemiah” who used his resources to support God’s work.
He said, “It is on record that he personally funded the building of this great Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL) up to 80 percent and later took up that of his home diocese from the sub-structure, delivering an impressive place of worship of the Almighty God.”
Reflecting on Iwuanyanwu’s lasting relevance in Nigerian society over five decades, Onuoha remarked, “Ahaejiagamba remained relevant in the scheme of things in this country for more than five decades, a record only very few Nigerians can claim.” He urged those in positions of influence to reflect on their responsibilities, reminding them, “We must one day give an account of what we did with the opportunities, positions, resources, talents, and endowments that God gave to us.”
In a final admonition, he cautioned against actions or inactions that may bring suffering, injustice, or sorrow to others. “If by our actions or inactions children of God suffer deprivations, injustice, lack, pain, or sorrow, it will be terrible for us on the day we go the way everyone must someday go.”
