We Mourn Our Dear Friend, Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan

BY GEN. YAKUBU GOWON

The passing of our friend, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Nigeria’s 9th Head of State, on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, is a great personal loss to me, my wife Victoria, and our family.

For several years, we interacted at deeply personal levels, not just between ourselves but with members of our respective families. Our official public service relationship was also borne out of a deep mutual respect.

Chief was a true captain of industry who actively supported the drive of successive governments for the economic development of Nigeria.

He achieved global renown on account of his achievements in business.

His extensive contribution to the growth of the nation’s economy on the platform of his chairmanship of the United African Company of Nigeria (UACN), one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, remains a watershed in enterprise management.

Chief Shonekan was a patriot, albeit a deeply misunderstood one.

At the height of the political crisis in Nigeria in 1993, he was called upon to serve his country. In accepting to head the Interim National Government (ING), he knew he had chosen to tread where many would not dare. He gave his best to the office for the good of his Fatherland. Though he paid a heavy personal price for his selfless decision, I hope that history will be kind to him.

His robust contributions to debates at meetings of the National Council of States are worthy of commendation because he truly put the national interest ahead of any secondary considerations. Nigeria will surely miss him.

On behalf of my dear wife, Victoria, and the entire Gowon family, I pray that God will comfort everyone that Chief Shonekan has left behind and grant eternal repose to his soul.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences.