Former Nigerian interim leader, Ernest Shonekan is dead

Ernest Shonekan

 

Ernest Shonekan, former Head of an Interim National Government in Nigeria, is dead.

Shonekan died on Tuesday in Lagos at the age of 85.

Born on May 9, 1936, Shonekan was a British-trained lawyer and an industrialist.

He was appointed interim head of the country after ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida stepped down on August 26, 1993.

Babangida had refused to hand over power to MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 election, but relinquished power after intense pressure.

Shonekan’s administration only lasted three months as late General Sani Abacha forcefully took power through a coup in November 1993.

The elder statesman hails from Abeokuta, Ogun state.

He attended CMS Grammar School and Igbobi College, Lagos and obtained a law degree from the University of London.

He was the Board Chairman of APM Terminals Apapa.



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