Former Nigerian Head of State, Ernest Sonekan dies at 85
Former Head of the Interim National Government (INC), after the step aside administration of controversial Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida(rtd), Chief Ernest Shonekan has been reported dead on Tuesday at 85 in Lagos
Penpushing reports that, the deceased, a British-trained lawyer and industrialist, was born on May 9, 1936, and it is recalled that, he took charge of the government for only three months, and was, ousted through a coup led by late military dictator, General Sanni Abacha.
The late Sonekan hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, attended C.M.S Grammar School and Igbobi College, Lagos, also obtained a law degree from the University of London, and was at a time Chairman of the United Africa Company (UAC)
Penpushing further reports that, an Egba High Chief, Alani Bankole in reaction to the death described the deceased as a great Nigerian, Yoruba and Egbaman, a business mogul and perfect administrator who will be missed by all.
The kingmaker pointed out as a great Egba son, the Egba community was at a loss, and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and also prayed that his immediate family will bear the fortitude to bear the loss.
Penpushing also reports that, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who equally confirmed the demise of Shonekan in a statement, expressed grief that, former chairman of the United Africa Company (UAC) Nigeria Plc., passed on at a period Nigeria needed his experience most as a technocrat.
The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin described the death of the Egba born British-trained lawyer, industrialist and traditional chief, as a colossal loss to Nigeria in general and Ogun State in particular.
“Chief Shonekan was a first- class administrator, boardroom guru and astute leader whose imprint in the business and political firmaments cannot be erased. His commitment to peaceful resolution and patriotic fervor will live after him’, Abiodun emphasised
Penpushing reports that, he pointed out that Shonekan, an Egba traditional Chief (Babasale of Egbaland), was a true Nigerian who spent most of his life for the betterment of the country, noting that his death has created a huge vacuum in Nigeria, and Egbaland.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and that God will comfort his immediate family and the Egba Traditional Council, stressing that he will be sorely missed
Penpushing further reports that, a neigbour of the deceased at Government Reservation Area (GRA), in Abeokuta, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, speaking with journalists said the news of the death of the former Nigerian leader also came to him as shocking news.
The founder of Penpushing Media, which the corporate headquarters of the organization shared fence with the private residence of the former Head of State, described the deceased as a complete gentleman
‘I can tell you that as a neighbor, late former Head of State was a quiet and complete gentleman. When he comes home here in Abeokuta, he walks in quietly, and you won’t even know he is around’, Kayode-Adedeji stated
‘This is a man who you will not know is indoor for the duration of his stay in the house. He doesn’t parade glamour associated with office of former Head of State. He comes in quietly and returns quickly. His model life style worth emulating’, the veteran journalist said.
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