Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chairman of the Elders’ Forum of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, dismissed reports on Monday that he had called the Yoruba “political rascals.” His remarks at Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s one‑year‑in‑office event in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday had sparked controversy, with some claiming he ridiculed the Yoruba. The pan‑Yoruba sociopolitical group Afenifere also asked the philanthropist to clarify his statement. Iwuanyanwu labeled the allegations “fake news circulating on social media,” saying his comments had been manipulated and used by blackmailers.
In a statement he personally signed, Iwuanyanwu wrote: “My awareness has been drawn to fake news circulating on social media completely misrepresenting the statement I made at Awka, Anambra State, in connection to the killings, destruction of property, and harassment of Igbo in Lagos during the recent elections. My statement was covered live by Arise Television, Channels, and many other electronic and print media houses. All Nigerians of goodwill who care should get the true transcript of my statement from any of these media houses. I want to make it abundantly clear that at no time did I make the statement credited to me by blackmail circulating on social media that the Yoruba are political rascals; this was fraudulently manipulated.”
The financier of the now‑defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club warned that circulating such fake news is a criminal offence against a peace‑loving Nigerian who has meritoriously served the country. He noted that the seven Igbo‑speaking states—Rivers, Delta, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu—have honoured him with the traditional title of Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
Iwuanyanwu emphasized his long‑standing ties with the western part of Nigeria, stating, “Most of my close friends who have influenced my business and professional life are from the northern and western parts of Nigeria. For instance, I am the Balogun Babaguwan of Ibadan land and have been honoured with chieftaincy titles by numerous Yoruba Obas. I am, without doubt, an honorary citizen of Yoruba land. I have many personal friends and staff, including directors, who are Yoruba. They have played major roles in shaping my economic destiny. Therefore, I have no reason whatsoever to insult the Yoruba tribe, whom I regard with great respect.”
He clarified that his remarks at the ceremony were meant to reassure Igbo who felt threatened by alleged attacks in Lagos, telling them they had no cause for worry because there were no problems between the Igbo and Yoruba. “I told them to stay in Lagos and go about their normal business,” he said, adding that he did note that the alleged attackers “are political rascals and their actions do not reflect the good relationship between the Yoruba and Igbo.”
Iwuanyanwu also highlighted his personal connection to the Yoruba through marriage. “One of my best daughters is married to a prominent Yoruba family in Ibadan, Oyo State. My son‑in‑law and his wife have lived together for over 20 years and have four adorable children. The children are Yoruba by our culture and tradition. I would not be happy if any group discriminated against them in Yoruba land because their mother is Igbo. Over the years, many Yoruba and Igbo families have intermarried. It is therefore very important for all men of goodwill to arrest the present situation, which, if not addressed, may cause social unrest.”
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