The Ogun state government and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, have described as a “lie from the pit of hell”, the reports that former head of interim national government, Ernest Shonekan, is dead.
The rumoured death of Shonekan filtered into Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday evening. Tributes have also been pouring in for him on social media based on the reports.
However, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, later dispelled the rumour saying that Governor Ibikunle Amosun has spoken with Shonekan who reportedly told the governor that he is hale and hearty.
In the same vein, the media aide to the Alake, Chief Layi Labode, said he spoke with Shonekan’s Personal Assistant, one Mr Dickson, who refuted the story. Born on May 9, 1936, Shonekan is 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 Sani Abacha forcefully took power through a coup.
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