A year after the passing of Nigerian billionaire and former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, fresh controversy has erupted over the contents of his will, particularly a clause that allegedly bars his widow, Lolo Frances Iwuanyanwu, from remarrying if she wishes to retain her inheritance.
According to Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, the estate administrator who revealed the details, the will states that should Lolo Frances choose to remarry, she would immediately forfeit all properties and assets bequeathed to her. Among the items left in her care are the prominent family residence in Owerri, known as “Legacy House,” and a well-established furniture business formerly owned by Iwuanyanwu’s first wife. She also received shares in various landed properties spread across prime neighborhoods in Owerri.
The late business mogul, who was widely respected in political and social circles, meticulously distributed his vast estate across several locations in Nigeria and abroad. According to the will, his son is to inherit the official residence in Abuja, while the London home is to be sold. Proceeds from the London property sale are earmarked primarily for the education of Iwuanyanwu’s youngest son, with portions also allocated to his first son, Jide, and to Ezinne, currently residing in the London house to help her secure new accommodation.
Another notable asset, known as the “Glass House” near a flyover in Orji, will be placed in a public trust. The will outlines that the property will be managed by a board and used exclusively for charitable purposes, further reflecting Iwuanyanwu’s philanthropic legacy.
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Properties located across Abuja, Imo, and other regions were divided among his five children, all of whom are said to have expressed satisfaction with the equitable manner in which the will was executed.
However, it was also disclosed that at least 15 properties were not mentioned in the final version of the will. Sources close to the family suggest that these omissions may have resulted from Iwuanyanwu’s deteriorating health in the months leading up to his death.
The condition placed on his widow’s remarriage has sparked widespread discussion across social media and legal circles, with many questioning the morality and legality of such clauses in a modern inheritance framework. As Nigerians digest the implications of this controversial will, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s name once again dominates national discourse this time, in death as in life.
