Popular businessman and President-General of pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead.

Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday after a brief illness at the age of 82 years.

His son, Jude Iwuanyanwu, confirmed the death of the elder statesman in a statement on Thursday.

He said details of his burial arrangements will be announced soon.

The late Chief Iwuanyanwu was a celebrated icon of Ndigbo, and owned business interests, including a foremost media brand – Champion Newspapers.