Osile Egba commiserates with Sonekan family, says he was as an altruistic elder statesman

By Our Correspondent

The Osile Oke - Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III, Oranmiyan, has lamented  the passing of Head of the defunct Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, describing him as an altruistic elder statesman who left a flourishing business career to save the country from sinking.

Oba Tejuoso who said that the news of Chief Shonekan's death came to him as a sudden shock, recalled the successes and achievements of the octogenarian in the corporate world, and said the deceased was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and a bridge builder who stepped into the affairs of Nigeria to lead her out of the brink at a very difficult time in the history of its political evolution

In a Letter of Condolence which was addressed to the widow, Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Shonekan, children and the entire family of the late Egba High Chief, Ernest Shonekan, the Osile Oke - Ona Egba said the vacuum left behind by the deceased would be so difficult to fill, stressing that even foes would miss him. 

Osile who is also the Grand Patron of African Church World-wide, prayed God to console the family, friends and associates of late elder Shonekan and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

His words: "It came to me as a sudden shock when it was announced that the former Interim Head of State, Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan passed on, on Tuesday, the 11th day of January, 2022 at the ripe age of 85 years. 

"I therefore write on behalf of Oke-Ona Egba Council of Chiefs, Oke-Ona Egba Community, my family and I to commiserate with you and the entire family on this recent demise of your patriarch and my very good friend. 

 

"The memory of the celebration of his upcoming success and achievement of being promoted to the enviable position of the Chairman of UAC Nigeria in 1981, coupled with the appointment of my late, very good friend, Prince Supo Adetona who, at the same time, also became a Director of the Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) would continue to linger.  The occasion was marked by me with a sumptuous Dinner Party in honour of both of them at the Federal Palace Hotel, V.I, Lagos.  To God be all the glory (Amen).

"The Ogun State born, altruistic Elder Statesman, left his 'flourishing business career to become the Head of Government, at a delicate time when Nigeria needed someone of his caliber, with a calm mien and pedigree, to save the country  from sinking.'  He became the head of the interim government that led Nigeria in-between the military governments of General Ibrahim Babangida and the Late General Sani Abacha, in August 1993 to November 1993.  

"This also gave me another opportunity to fondly celebrate with him by welcoming him home to Abeokuta with a grand party and funfair at my residence at GRA, Ibara, Abeokuta.  Almost everybody that mattered, particularly in Egbaland, was present at the party.  All glory to the Most High.  

"We certainly came a long way together, even from our days, in the 1970s and 1980s as the, Medical Retainer and Doctor in charge of the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) Medical Clinic in Yaba, Lagos, (in my private capacity).  You, his amiable wife, was the then Chief Executive Officer - Senior Deputy Registrar (SDR) - in charge of WAEC at that point in time.   This is not to even talk of our days (your late husband and I) in the Grammar Schools – He was at Lagos while I was at Abeokuta.  Or even our, never to be forgotten, happy days and years together in Great Britain.  Those were glorious and memorable times indeed. He (your husband) was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and a bridge builder who stepped into the affairs of Nigeria to lead the nation out of the brink at a very difficult time in the history of its political evolution.

 

"He certainly deserves to be more highly recognized, honoured and commemorated by Nigerians and Nigeria than hitherto.  God help us, save us and give us the enablement to always do the right things at the right time (Amen).The vacuum he has left behind will be so difficult to fill.  

"The entire family, friends and even foes, will certainly miss him very dearly.  We, non-the-less, take solace in the humble belief, that we will meet again at the appropriate time at the feet of our Lord, Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  So shall it be in the Mighty Name of Jesus (Amen). 

"May God Almighty, the Author and Finisher of our faith, give him an eternal rest and greatly console the entire family and friends left behind and grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May his sweet and gentle soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus Mighty name (Amen)

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