FORMER Head of Interim National Government (ING), Ernest Shonekan, was on Friday buried at Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi, Lagos, after a funeral service which was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ.
Dignitaries from all walks of life including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha; Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, Former Head Of State, Yakubu Gowon; the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, among others, were all in attendance.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who led the Federal Government delegation, described the late Shonekan as a man of integrity, saying he steadied Nigeria’s ship at a turbulent time.
“Ernest Shonekan lived an extraordinary life. But perhaps what deserves greater attention is the way he carried himself through life and the high values he exemplified,” the Vice President said.
“That genuine respect that he had for all people of all classes, religions, and tribes, his unflinching belief in the inherent goodness in everyone, his love and generosity not just for his family but to all.
“His knowledge and experience-driven leadership and counsel that he provided always with unfailing humility and courteousness; these were the unique virtues that underpinned his extraordinary achievements.”
On his part, former governor of Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel, said the deceased lived a purposeful life. He thereafter urged Nigerians to emulate the former elder statesman.
Late Shonekan was born on May 9, 1936, in Lagos into the family of an Abeokuta-born civil servant and died on the 11th of January 2022 at the graceful age of 86.
Until his death, Shonekan was the third oldest surviving Nigerian Head of State after Queen Elizabeth II and General Yakubu Gowon.
