From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has debunked a report suggesting that a date has been fixed for the burial of its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed on at 82, last Thursday.
Information from the national secretariat of the apex Igbo sociocultural organization on Tuesday, wondered why people started circulating such baseless and unfounded rumour of September 25, 2024 date when consultations were still ongoing.
Ohanaeze said that the purported report which claimed that its Secretary General, Okey Emuchay made the announcement after an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Enugu, was way off the mark, as nothing like that took place.
“The true position is that the NEC of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has cancelled the 2024 Igbo Day Celebrations slated for Owerri, Imo State on September 29, as a mark of honour for our fallen leader. This was the only place September was mentioned in the course of opening condolence register at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Tuesday.
“However, consultations are ongoing with various stakeholders particularly the Imo State Government, South East Governors, members of the Ime-Obi which would soon meet, and others. A central burial committee will soon be announced.
“The general public is hereby urged to disregard any report or statement alluding that a burial date for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Iwuanyanwu, has been announced.”