The JournalThe JournalTHE JOURNAL SEEKS TO BECOME THE MOST RELIABLE, FIRST-CHOICE PAN-NIGERIAN INFORMATION AND PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM. BREAKING NEWS Ernest Shonekan Dies at 85 Chief Ernest Shonekan. Chief Ernest Shonekan, Head of State during the Interim Government that replaced General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime, has passed away. Ernest Shonekan became the head of the transitional council, set up to organize the passing of power from military rule to a civilian government. He became both the head of the council as well as being the head of government. This was to ensure a smooth transition for Nigeria’s third Republican Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan was then placed in office by a decree signed by the outgoing military ruler of the country, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; he assumed office as the interim head of state in August 1993. Given the instability that came with the interim government and the dissatisfaction from civilians over the annulment of the June 12 elections, the administration was overthrown in a palace coup led by General Sani Abacha. Chief Ernest Shonekan died on the 11th of January, 2022 at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos State at the age of 85; at the time of his death, he was the third oldest surviving Head of State of Nigeria based on age. © 2021 – MAY UNIVERSITY PRESS LIMITED