Society Gist Editor
Ude Emmanuel
The executors of the will of late billionaire businessman and media mogul, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have firmly dismissed a viral report claiming that the deceased inserted a clause in his will restricting his wife from remarrying after his death. The report, which sparked widespread controversy and debates across social and traditional media platforms, alleged that Chief Iwuanyanwu barred his surviving spouse from entering another marriage as a condition tied to inheritance or family approval.
In a strongly worded statement released to the press, the executors described the claims as “entirely false, malicious, and misleading.” They clarified that no such provision exists in the official will, and they condemned the media outlets and individuals circulating the story without verification. According to them, the documents currently being managed were prepared and signed in accordance with legal standards and in the presence of appropriate witnesses—none of which contain clauses related to the private marital decisions of the deceased’s wife.
“This fabricated narrative is not only untrue but also an insult to the dignity of the late Chief Iwuanyanwu and a gross misrepresentation of his values and wishes,” the statement read.
Legal Experts and Family Members React
The controversial report, which first surfaced on several gossip blogs and quickly trended on social media, claimed that Iwuanyanwu’s will explicitly stated that his wife should remain unmarried in his absence as a sign of loyalty and respect to his memory. The report was met with outrage from many rights activists, legal experts, and cultural commentators, who either questioned the legality of such a clause or expressed concern about gendered double standards in estate planning.
However, prominent legal professionals have weighed in to stress that such clauses—if ever included—are generally unenforceable under Nigerian law.
“Any provision in a will that attempts to control the future marital decisions of a widow would most likely be struck out by a competent court,” said Barrister Adaeze Nwokolo, a probate and family law expert based in Abuja. “Such clauses infringe on constitutional rights and are not in line with modern legal ethics.”
Beyond the legal perspective, close family members of the late Iwuanyanwu have also decried the falsehood. A senior family source, speaking under anonymity, revealed that the late statesman lived and died upholding respect, fairness, and dignity within his household.
“Chief never attempted to control or dictate the personal freedoms of his loved ones,” the family member said. “This is nothing more than an attempt to scandalize a grieving family and disrupt the peace we are trying to maintain during this solemn period.”
The Legacy of Iwuanyanwu and the Dangers of Misinformation
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, until his death, was one of Nigeria’s most respected business and political figures. He was a philanthropist, publisher, engineer, and elder statesman who championed causes in education, media, and infrastructure development. He was also known for advocating family unity and championing women’s empowerment within and outside his business empire.
In light of his legacy, the circulating report has been viewed as not only disrespectful but potentially damaging to the public memory of a man who had no record of promoting regressive or discriminatory views. Social media users have begun to call for accountability from bloggers and news pages that helped amplify the false narrative without fact-checking.
The executors concluded their statement by urging the public to disregard the misinformation and allow the late Chief’s family to grieve with dignity. They also hinted that legal action may be taken against platforms that continue to publish the defamatory claim.
In an age where virality often supersedes veracity, the incident underscores the critical need for responsible journalism and digital accountability. It also serves as a reminder of how sensitive documents like wills—meant to provide clarity and closure—can be weaponized in the public domain for sensationalism.
As the family of Chief Iwuanyanwu moves forward with managing his estate, they have expressed their commitment to upholding the values he lived by: truth, justice, and peace. In the face of falsehoods, their call is simple—let the facts speak louder than gossip.
