Kogi Governor Mourns Shonekan, Says Nigeria Lost A True Nationalist

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has expressed shock over the death of former Nigerian leader and the Abese of Egbaland, Chief Ernest Oladeinde Shonekan GCFR. 

Bello in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed described late Shonekan as a fantastic lawyer, political colossus and complete statesman, saying he would be sorely missed.

The governor said the late Interim Head of State had contributed immensely to the unity, progress and political developments of the country noting that his release of political prisoners detained by the military government within three months in office united the country more along ethnic and political lines.  

He described Shonekan as a strong leader who had always spoken truth in power, was passionate about national interests.

He sympathised with the family and relations of the late Interim Head of State, the people of Egbaland and the Government and people of Ogun State over his passing. He prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest. 

Chief Ernest Shonekan was a lawyer and businessman who served as the Interim Head of State of Nigeria from August 26, 1993 to November 17, 1993.

He died in Lekki, Lagos State at the age of 85 on January 11, 2022.