The burial rites of former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who died on January 11, commence today with a Christian Wake and night of tributes at Harbour Point Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Laying-In State comes up tomorrow, Friday, at his residence in Ikoyi, while the funeral service follows same day at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.
Internment and parade of Honour would take place immediately after the Funeral service, at the Ebony Vault and Gardens in Ikoyi.
Born on May 9, 1936, Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, who died at the age of 85, was appointed Nigeria’s interim president by former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He served as Head of State of Nigeria for 83 days from 26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993.
Shonekan had assumed office to supervise a smooth and peaceful electoral transition into a democratically elected government but his reign was cut short in a coup led by late General Sani Abacha.
The elder statesman was popularly known as the Baba Sale of Egbaland
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while describing him as a highly respected elder statesman and a true nationalist said though he hailed from Ogun State, Chief Shonekan resided in Lagos for over 60 years.
