Governors across Nigeria have sent condolence messages to their Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, on the death of former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan who is an indigene of the state.
Abiodun expressed sadness over the death of the former industrialist.
The governor, In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, described the death of the trained lawyer, industrialist, and traditional chief as a colossal loss to Nigeria and the state.
“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 a peaceful resolution and patriotic fervor will live after him.
“Chief Shonekan, an Egba traditional chief (Babasale of Egba), was a true Nigerian who spent most of his life for the betterment of the country,” the statement said.
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike expressed shock at the demise of Shonekan and in a condolence message said the late statesman was a dedicated Nigerian who was committed to the peace and stability of the country.
Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said he received the news of the demise of the elder statesman with sadness.
His words “The Abeokuta-born elder statesman and industrialist was an exceptional leader who, in and out of office, demonstrated a strong commitment to the peace, unity, and development of Nigeria…
“On behalf of my family, government, and people of Osun, I commiserate with the wife of Chief Ernest Shonekan, his family, government, and people of Ogun State. I pray God to grant the soul of Chief Shonekan eternal rest and give his beloved wife, family, and the people of Ogun State the fortitude to bear his loss.”
In his condolence message, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said: “I am saddened by the passing of Chief Shonekan, an unassuming leader and a cerebral lawyer, who helped to steady our nation during the turbulent years of Nigeria’s third republic.
“Committed to the good of our dear country, he played his part, making sacrifices to set Nigeria on the path of progress, even with the dark clouds that hovered over our affairs in the 1990s.
“As the founder of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, his commitment to private and free enterprise remains indelible in the annals of our history. “It is heartbreaking that Chief Shonekan will not be available to offer his priceless advice and guidance, as we approach another election season.”
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State said: “The former Interim Head of State contributed immensely to the unity, progress and political developments of the country.
“Shonekan will be remembered for his intervention in the release of political prisoners detained by the military government within his three months in office.
“He worked to ensure the unity of the country along ethnic and political lines.
“Shonekan as a strong leader always spoke truth to power and was passionate about national interest.”
