The former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has joined several others to mourn the demise of a former Nigerian leader and head of the Interim National Government that succeeded the junta of General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan.
Otunba Daniel stated, while visiting the widow, Chief Margaret Shonekan, that the former leader lived a fulfilled life in a letter made available to Freelanews’ correspondent.
“I received with grief the news of His Excellency, Chief Ernest Shonekan’s demise this morning.
“I have no doubt that Chief Shonekan lived a life of absolute fulfillment and, in all ramification, he earned a space in the book of patriots,” OGD, as he is fondly known, mourned.
He further stated that Nigeria has lost one of its finest corporate players, one of the earliest captains in the industry as Chairman of the UACN; a rare and distinguished personality as president of the country and an advocate of peace.
“In Ogun State, we have lost a pillar of support and elder statesman.
“I first met Chief Ernest Shonekan in the corporate world as Chairman of UACN, several years ago, being a UAC Scholar myself, and we remain close till his death. Personally, I have lost a father, friend, mentor and adviser.”
While offering his condolences, the former governor appealed to the Shonekan family to take solace in the fact that the departed elder statesman lived a life generations unborn will cherish.
“But in all these, let us take solace that he lived a fulfilled and adorable life that generations after us will remember.
“On behalf of my family, I offer my deepest condolences and pray that God Almighty will provide the much-needed strength to carry on at this time of such great loss,” he submitted.
Chief Shonekan, the Abese of Egbaland, was born on May 9, 1936. He was a Nigerian lawyer and statesman who served as the interim Head of State of Nigeria from 26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993.
Prior to his political career, Shonekan was the chairman and chief executive of the United African Company of Nigeria (successor of The Niger Company), a vast Nigerian conglomerate, which at the time was the largest African-controlled company in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Shonekan died in Lagos at the age of 85.
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