By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor-elect, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has expressed grief over the demise of Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Nigerian Interim Head of State from 26 August 1993 to November 17, 1993.
In a statement made available to the media by Joe Anatune, Governor-elect, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo expressed grief over the passage of the former Interim Head of State describing it as a monumental loss to the nation.
Soludo said Shonekan’s wealth of experience as a lawyer, a Boardroom guru and an Industrialist who headed vast conglomerates in the nation’s productive sector will remain a reference point in the annals of the history of Corporate Nigeria.
The Governor-elect also described the deceased as a statesman, lover of peace and an incurable optimist of a greater and united Nigeria.
He noted that Shonekan’s patriotism and personal sacrifice as a ‘stabilising force’ during the ‘uncertain political days’ in the country in the early 90’s was worth commending, stressing that his place in the nation’s political history will remain evergreen and will surely be appreciated by younger Nigerians and the generations to come.
Soludo therefore prayed for the repose of the deceased soul as he extends his profound condolences to the Shonekan’s family, the Federal and Ogun governments and the people of his home community.
Chief Ernest Shonekan died in Lagos on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, after a brief illness, at the age of 85 years. He holds the revered traditional title of Abese of Egbaland.