Ex-Head Of State Ernest Shonekan Not Dead

He was appointed as interim head of Nigerian government by General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) on 26 August 1993 after Babangida resigned under pressure to give way to a democratic government.

Ogun State Government last night debunked the rumoured death of the former Head of Interim National Government of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

The rumour had gone viral on the social media that the British-trained Nigerian lawyer, industrialist, politician and traditional chieftain had passed on.

The Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa described it as “a lie from hell.”

“It’s a lie from hell. Baba is alive”, Adeoluwa said in a telephone interview on Tuesday night.

Also speaking, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo said Shonekan was alive.

In a statement signed and made available to our correspondent by his spokesman, Layi Labode, Alake said both the Personal Assistant (PA) and Media Aide to the elder statesman had denied the rumoured death.

The statement reads: “However, I have just spoken with Chief Ernest Shonekan’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Dickson who refuted the story.

“Mr. Dickson also disclosed that the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had phoned him and he (Dickson) confirmed to him that Chief Shonekan was alive.

“Also a Media aid to the Babasale of Egbaland, Mr. Gbenga Fasina, said that Chief Shonekan was alive. We shall keep you informed if there’s any development.”

He was appointed as interim head of Nigerian government by General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) on 26 August 1993 after Babangida resigned under pressure to give way to a democratic government.