The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the death of former Interim Leader of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan, as a colossal loss to Nigeria.
Ooni made this known in a statement signed by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare on Wednesday, in Ile-Ife.
According to him, the ex-interim president who died on Monday was an illustrious descendant of Oduduwa and and great stabiliser, who contributed immeasurably to the peace and development of Nigeria and Africa at large.
The royal father noted that the elder statesman gave his best to the Oduduwa race, the country and the continent of Africa which he loved so much.
“Chief Shonekan was a great Pan-Africanist and great descendant of Oduduwa, who came to lead the country from the front at a very challenging time, when Nigeria was at the brink of collapse due to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, reportedly won by late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
“As a patriotic Nigerian that he was, Shonekan used the brief moment to set the country on a path of prosperity with workable policies and programmes.
“He achieved so much in collaborations with other critical stakeholders driven by patriotism.
“Outside office, Shonekan kept on contributing to national development until his last day on earth. In short, he gave his all to Nigeria and we are so proud of him,” the Ooni stated.
He condoled with Shonekan’s family members and associates globally, the Egba people, Nigerians and all descendants of Oduduwa, praying that God rest the departed soul.
Similarly, Ogunwusi has condoled with the immediate family of the former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, who during his lifetime was a Chief in the Kingdom of Ife, over the demise of the Ogbomoso-born politician.
He described the late Akala as a great leader who gave his best in service to his people, adding that his departure would be missed greatly by everyone.
He however, wished the departed soul an eternal rest in the world beyond
