Owerri, Nigeria – June 18, 2025
The Last Will and Testament of the late elder statesman and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief (Engr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has sparked national attention following the inclusion of a controversial clause that forbids his widow, Lolo Frances Iwuanyanwu, from remarrying if she wishes to retain her inheritance.
The Will, formally read on June 16, 2025, in Owerri and managed by the appointed executor, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), outlines how Chief Iwuanyanwu’s vast estate will be shared among his wife, children, and a select group of beneficiaries. Among the major provisions is the inheritance of the family’s renowned Legacy House in Owerri by his widow, with a strict condition that the property must never be sold. In addition, Frances receives full ownership of Magil Furniture—a company once managed by the late statesman’s first wife—and partial stakes in real estate located in Orji, Works Layout, and Naze, all within Imo State.
However, the Will makes it clear that should Frances choose to remarry, she will forfeit all properties willed to her. The clause has drawn widespread public reaction, with many questioning its legality and ethical basis.
The Will also addresses the inheritance of the late statesman’s children. The Abuja residence is handed over to his son, while the London property is to be sold. The proceeds from the sale are to be distributed with 60 percent allocated for the education of his youngest son, 30 percent for his first son, Jide, and 10 percent for his daughter, Ezinne, who currently resides in the London home.
Other properties and investments in Imo, Abuja, and Lagos were divided among all five of his children. The Will further reflects Chief Iwuanyanwu’s dedication to public service through the conversion of his Glass House property near Orji Flyover into a charitable trust. This facility is to be managed by an independent board and used for community initiatives including scholarships, healthcare, and youth development.
While the Will has been described by the late statesman’s children as fair and reflective of his values, the clause preventing remarriage has been criticized by rights activists who argue that it infringes on Frances Iwuanyanwu’s personal freedom and could be deemed unconstitutional.
Legal experts suggest the clause may be open to challenge under Nigerian law, which increasingly protects the rights of widows and rejects discriminatory inheritance practices. In recent landmark cases, the Nigerian Supreme Court has ruled against customary laws that deny women equal rights to inheritance and property.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu passed away in July 2024 at the age of 81. Known as a pioneering engineer, influential businessman, and prominent Igbo leader, he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape. His contributions earned him several national honors and, in a tribute to his legacy, the Imo State Government renamed the Imo International Conference Centre in his honor shortly after his passing.
With the Will now in probate, attention has shifted to whether Frances will comply with its stipulations or pursue legal action. The document has not only become a defining part of the late statesman’s legacy but also reignited national discourse on marriage, property rights, and the evolving role of women in Nigerian society.
