Some Stakeholders in Osun have described the death of former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, as a colossal loss to the country.

The stakeholders, in separate interviews on Tuesday in Osogbo, said that Shonekan was a respectable statesman who had the interest of the country at heart.

They also said that the late boardroom guru contributed his own quota toward the socio-economic development of the country.

Shonekan died in a hospital in the Lekki area of Lagos at the age of 85.

Mr Waheed Saka, Director of a civil society organisation, Center for Sustainable Dailogue in Osun, said that the deceased would always be remembered for his role during the June 12, 1993 election.

“Chief Ernest Shonekan came into power as the head of interim national government between Aug. 26 and Nov. 17, 1993 before he was ousted in a coup, led by the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

“No doubt, Shonekan’s demise marks the dawn of an era because of his notable achievements in politics during his life time. I pray the Almighty to grant him eternal rest,” he said.

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Also, Mr Promise Jones, a legal practitioner, said that the death of the elder statesman a great loss, adding he contributed his best to ensure the enthronement of peace and tranquility in the country.

“Shonekan’s death is indeed disheartening, but there is nothing anybody can do, as every man must return to his Creator, whether we like it or not.

Mr Ibrahim Olayinka, Coordinator of Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON ) in Osun, described the late Shonekan as a peace-loving man, with indelible mark on the sands of time.

He, however, called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late Shonekan for the role he played in stabilising the country during the June 12 era. (NAN)