- Agaba’s legacy: resilience, wisdom, and strength.
- Experienced war and political struggles.
- Inspired others with his wisdom.
- Left a lasting impact on family and loved ones.
- Remembered for his enduring spirit and character.
Former Methodist Prelate Samuel Kanu-Uche is urging President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally to promote Nigeria’s unity and peace. He made this heartfelt appeal while paying tribute to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at a service of songs and night of tribute in Lagos .
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was indeed a remarkable individual, earning praise from many, including Kanu, who described him as an icon, quintessential gentleman, and nationalist of two countries. His detribalized nature and devotion to Christianity were notable aspects of his personality .
He stated, “We are here to honor an icon, a quintessential gentleman, and a nationalist of two nations. One previous nation was Biafra, where we all fought. He belonged to the core of army engineers who produced the Ogbunigwe, which Nigeria refused to harness.
“We belonged to that nation then, but now we are Nigerians. Those who experienced the war will never pray for another war. That is why he laboured for the unity of Nigeria. We want one united Nigeria where nobody is oppressed. The current agitation exists because people are still being oppressed and marginalized.
“The laws of the nation are not obeyed, and there is inequality in the land. That was why someone went to London to submit a letter regarding a Yoruba extension, seeking Oduduwa State.
Recently, nobody arrested him, yet Kanu remains incarcerated.
“Iwuanyanwu wished for Kanu’s release before he died, but it didn’t happen. Let me use this tribute to urge our leader, President Tinubu, that for Nigeria to be united and at peace, he should release Kanu unconditionally.
“Iwuanyanwu was a detribalized person who believed in Nigeria. He was also a devoted Christian. A Christian does not die but lives forever.”
In her remarks, the late Iwuanyanwu’s eldest daughter, Nwadiuto, prayed for strength to cope with the loss.
She described her father as a dedicated parent who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. “He was proud of his children; for my father, I was both a girl and a boy because I was the only child for nine years.
I am missing him already; I cry in my secret place. How can I not see agaba again? God will grant us strength.
“He endured so much—through war and political struggles. I feel humbled by his wisdom; I am blessed because my father was a true gift. He was strong,” she said.
