Ernest Shonekan is a Nigerian politician and businessman who served as the interim president of Nigeria from August to November 1993. He was born on May 9, 1936, in Lagos, Nigeria. Shonekan is a well-respected figure in Nigerian politics and has had a long and distinguished career in both the public and private sectors.
Early Life and Education
Ernest Shonekan was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to parents who were both of Yoruba descent. He grew up in a middle-class family and attended St. Gregory’s College in Lagos for his secondary education. After completing his secondary education, Shonekan went on to study law at the University of London, where he earned his LLB degree in 1962.
Career
After completing his education, Ernest Shonekan returned to Nigeria and began his career as a lawyer. He worked for several years in private practice before joining the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank in 1967. In 1971, he left the bank to start his own business, which he named Shonekan and Company.
Over the years, Shonekan’s business grew and he became a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business community. In 1985, he was appointed as the chairman of the United Bank for Africa, one of Nigeria’s largest banks. He held this position until 1993 when he was appointed as the interim president of Nigeria.
During his brief tenure as president, Shonekan worked to address Nigeria’s economic and political challenges. He implemented several economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the country’s economy and improving the business environment. However, his presidency was cut short when he was forced to resign in November 1993, following a military coup.
After leaving office, Shonekan returned to his business interests and continued to play an active role in Nigerian politics. He has served on several government committees and has been a vocal advocate for good governance and economic development in Nigeria.
Political Record and Reputation
Ernest Shonekan is widely regarded as a respected and accomplished figure in Nigerian politics. He is known for his integrity, business acumen, and commitment to public service. During his brief tenure as president, he worked to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and improve the country’s business environment.
Shonekan’s reputation as a businessman and political leader has earned him numerous accolades and awards. He has been honored with several national and international awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Personal Life
Ernest Shonekan is married and has several children. He is known for his love of cars and has been spotted driving several luxury vehicles over the years. He also owns a beautiful mansion in Lagos, Nigeria.
Net Worth
Ernest Shonekan’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. In Nigerian naira, his net worth is approximately 78 billion naira. In Canadian dollars, his net worth is approximately 260 million CAD. In Ghana cedi, his net worth is approximately 1.2 billion GHS. In Kenya shilling, his net worth is approximately 17 billion KES. In South Africa rand, his net worth is approximately 2.6 billion ZAR. In Uganda shilling, his net worth is approximately 740 billion UGX. In India rupee, his net worth is approximately 14.5 billion INR.
Nominations
Ernest Shonekan has been nominated for several awards and honors over the years. In 1994, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote economic development and political stability in Nigeria. He has also been nominated for several other national and international awards for his contributions to business and public service.
Social Media
Ernest Shonekan is not known to be active on social media. However, there are several fan pages and tribute pages dedicated to him on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.