A service of songs was on Tuesday held in Lagos to mark the beginning of funeral activities for the former head of Nigeria’s interim national government Ernest Shonekan.
Family and friends of the elder statesman, who died on January 11 aged 85, paid tributes to him at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.
The deceased’s first son Adeboye Shonekan said his father was a lover of humanity and God.
“Even though we feel his absence, we have been consoled by all the tributes we have heard about our dad. He had the love of God and humanity; he was a family man,” Adeboye said.
A professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Frank Giwa-Osagie said Shonekan was humble to a fault.
“I live close to him; we used to meet at the polling booth on election days. Everybody would insist that he and his wife should be attended to first, but Chief Shonekan usually turned down the offer. This usually happens every election period. His life proved that one can be humble, get to the top and still remain humble,” Giwa-Osagie stated.
The president, Torch Bearers Society, Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos, Gbolahan Ayodele, said Shonekan was the patron of many societies in the church.
“His death came to us as a shock. Even though we are sad, we thank God for what he was able to achieve during his lifetime.
“He assumed the leadership of this country at a very difficult period. He will be missed by many people,” he said.
