…….He Lived An Extraordinary Life – Vice President
…..Nigerians Will Remain Appreciative Of Shonekan’s Stabilizing Influence On Polity– Lagos Governor
Born on May 9, 1936, Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, was appointed Nigeria’s Head of Interim Government by former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election in the country.
He held the post for 83 days from 26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993.
Shonekan had assumed office to supervise a smooth and peaceful electoral transition into a democratically elected government but his reign was cut short in a coup led by late General Sani Abacha.
The Ogun State-born elder statesman was popularly known as the Baba Sale of Egbaland.
His burial ceremony in Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, was among the biggest occasions Nigerians had ever witnessed.
The funeral rites had the full participation of
the nation’s political class, captains of industries, prominent religious and traditional leaders, security forces, family members and ordinary Nigerians.
Among the dignitaries were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; Former Military Head of state, Yakubu Gowon; Governors of Lagos, Ogun and Edo with their wives and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite
Others included the Ministers of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Trade and Industry, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; State for Works and Housing Alhaji Mu’Azu Jaji Sambo; former Ogun State Governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The funeral rites were as follows”
- Christian Wake
Thursday, 3rd February, 2022
Venue: The Harbour Point Event Centre, Wilmot Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Time: 4PM - Laying-In State
Friday, 4th February, 2022
Venue: Lugard House, 1 Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos
Time: 7am-9am - Funeral Service
Friday 4th February, 2022
Venue: The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.
Time: 11am - Internment & parade of Honour
Date: Friday 4th February, 2022
Venue: The Ebony Vault and Gardens , Ikoyi, Lagos.
Time: Immediately after the Funeral Service
The funeral service was like a parade of “who is who” in the nation’s political landscape. Dignitaries sat on chairs bearing their names as tagged.
The remains of the late leader were wheeled inside the church in a casket wrapped with a cloth with the design of the country’s “Green White Green'” national flag, and accosted by over 12 officers from all the Nigerian military formations. Everyone of them wore a black arm band.
The church auditorium had a top notch arrangement , befitting of the high class personalities being hosted.
- nternment & parade of Honour
- Date: Friday 4th February, 2022
Venue: The Ebony Vault and Gardens , Ikoyi, Lagos.
Time: Immediately after the Funeral Service
The burial at the Ebony Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi had the Vice President representing the Federal. It featured one of the greatest attractions as the military presented a “Parade of Honour” involving playing of military band and 21 gun salutes, just as the fallen icon was lowered in the grave.
Every of the events had topmost individuals as attendees.
The funeral service at Marina had brought the ever busy commercial area to its knees as vehicular traffic was banned to enable a smooth ceremony.
A giant poster of the late Shonekan had been strategically pasted beside the church building. It had the inscription, “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Mathew 5:5. Baba Shonekan, Sun re oo”.
