Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was the first caller at the
No 1, Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos residence of Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Head of the Interim National Government (ING), following his death on Tuesday morning.
Shonekan succeeded General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) as Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief on August 27, 1993 and was overthrown by the late General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993.
Shonekan, a boardroom guru from Abeokuta, Ogun State, was 85.
Daniel was received by Shonekan’s wife, Margaret.
Also at the residence was billionaire-banker and businessman, Otunba Subomi Balogun.
Daniel sympathised with the Shonekan family, describing the late Commander-in-Chief as ‘a great Nigerian’.
In a condolence letter addressed to, and received by Mrs Margaret Shonekan, Daniel said:
“I received with grief the news of His Excellency, Chief Ernest Shonekan’s demise this morning.
“I have no doubt that Chief Shonekan lived a life of absolute fulfilment and, in all ramification, he earned a space in the book of patriots.
“Nigeria has lost one of its finest Corporate players, one of the earliest Captains in the Industry as Chairman of the UACN; a rare and distinguished personality as President of the country and an advocate of peace. In Ogun State, we have lost a pillar of support and elder statesman.
“I first met Chief Ernest Shonekan in the corporate world as Chairman of UACN, several years ago, being a UAC Scholar myself, and we remain close till his death. Personally, I have lost a father, friend, mentor and adviser.
“But in all these, let us take solace that he lived a fulfilled and adorable life that generations after us will remember.
“On behalf of my family, I offer my deepest condolences and pray that God Almighty will provide the much-needed strength to carry on at this time of such great loss.
His Excellency Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng,
Governor of Ogun State (2003-2011)”
