Lagos Stands Still As Shonekan Is Buried; Osinbajo, Jonathan, Gowon Pay Last Respect

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Nigeria’s Interim Head of Government, Ernest Shonekan, was buried amidst fanfare at the Vaults Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos, as families, well wishers, former Presidents, Governors and dignitaries bid him farewell.

There was a heavy security around  the Cemetery and at the Cathedral Church of  Christ, Marina, where the funeral service of former Head of Interim Government took place.

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former Head of State,  General Yakubu Gowon, his wife  Victoria, were at the funeral to pay their last respect to the elder statesman.

Leading the Federal Government delegation was the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari alongside the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha, Minister of Information Lai Mohammed, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as well as the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.

At the Church service, Osinbajo in his speech eulogized the late Shonekan, describing him as a highly consequential leader in the private sector who impacted economic policy in Nigeria.

He said his demise was a major loss to the country.

“Shonekan is a bridge builder, that was determined in uplifting the nation, and he made his mark in his short stint in power. When he was told to come and become the Interim President, he had said that if your country needs you, you must come to help. This is what he did and he will be missed.

Osinbajo described Shonekan’s death as “a very major loss for the country and for the private sector and even internationally.

“Here was a man who made an impact. He was one of the very first leaders in the private sector to shape economic policy in Nigeria, and his role in that respect was very significant.

“We are proud of his contributions to the shaping of the modern Nigerian economy while being a leading light in the private sector. And for his statesmanship and leadership of the country at a time of great uncertainty in our nation.

“His integrity, legacy and high value service will remain evergreen in our memories. We pray that the Lord will comfort the family and may his memory be blessed forever. Amen.”

Prior to the burial of Shonekan, the Lagos State Government had announced a 13-hour closure of roads leading to Marina where the funeral took place.

Other dignitaries at the event include; Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Former Ekiti State Governor, Adeniyi Adebayo among others.

Shonekan, who served as the head of Interim National Government between August and November 1993 died on the 11th of January 2022 at the age of 86.

He was born on May 9, 1936, in Lagos into the family of  Abeokuta-born parents. He attended the CMS Grammar School and Igbobi College.

He later received a law degree from the University of London and was called to the bar, after which he attended Harvard Business School.

Shonekan joined the UAC in 1964. He rose through the ranks in the company and was promoted to an assistant legal adviser. He later became a deputy adviser and joined the board of directors at the age of 40.

He was made Chairman and Managing Director in 1980 and went on to cultivate a wide array of international business and political connections.

At the time of his death, he was the second oldest surviving Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon.