Chief Ernest Shonekan, who headed the Interim National Government that succeeded the junta of General Ibrahim Babangida, has died.

Born on May 9, 1936, Abese of Egbaland from 1981, among other chieftaincy titles, 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. May his soul rest in peace.