“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” – these were the words of the vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo at the burial ceremony of former Head of Interim National Government of Nigeria, Ernest Shonekan, who was buried at The Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday.
The burial ceremony, which ended a four-day funeral rite that began on Monday, was also attended by: 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 amongst other dignitaries.
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, adding that the genuine respect he had for all people of all classes, religions, and tribes, as well as his unflinching belief in the inherent goodness in everyone, endeared him to many.
In his tribute, former governor of Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel said Shonekan lived a purposeful life, urging Nigerians to emulate the former elder statesman.
Friday’s burial was the culmination of funeral activities, with, a service of songs and a Christian wake keep/night of tributes earlier held for the former interim president.
Earlier at the service of songs on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state said the deceased “had a good run” and urged the family to take solace in his legacy.
Before the burial as well, President Muhammadu Buhari had also extolled Shonekan who he said left a flourishing business career to become the Head of Government, at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm nature and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking.
The late Shonekan served as Nigeria’s interim Head of State between the military governments of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha. He died at the age of 85 pm on January 11 2022.
