Abiodun, Obasanjo, Akinlade mourn Senator Buruji Kashamu

Ogun State Governor,  Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed shock over the death of Senator Buruji Kashamu. 

Senator Buruji Kashamu, a  billionaire businessman-cum-politician,  represented Ogun East senatorial district between 2015 and 2019 in the 8th National Assembly.

He contested the gubernatorial ticket of the state on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, along  other contestants with Governor Abiodun.

He died in a hospital in Lagos on Saturday. 

Disclosing Kashamu’s death on August 8, Ben Bruce, founder of Silver Bird media group said  Senator Buruji Kashamu, who had been receiving treatment for COVID-19 gave up the ghost on Saturday.

In a post shared by Bruce on his verified Facebook page and twitter, “‪I have just lost my good friend of forever to #COVID19. Until his death, Sen. Buruji Kashamu and I were inseparable. He died today at First Cardiology Consultants, in Lagos. May his gentle soul rest in peace. I pray his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this heavy loss.”

Available information indicated  that the PDP stalwart was reportedly found to have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases and high blood pressure that were fast weakening his immune system.

In a statement, Governor Abiodun said: “I received the sad news of the passing of Senator Buruji Kashamu today, 8 August, 2020, with a deep pain and grief that words cannot capture. On behalf of my family, the Government and good people of Ogun State, I convey our deepest condolences. He was a large-hearted politician and courageous fighter for whatever cause he believed in.”  

Abiodun, however, urged all to find solace in the saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “Amazing is the affair of the believer, verily all of his affair is good and this is not for anyone except the believer. If something of good  happiness befalls him he is grateful and that is good for him. If something of harm befalls him, he is patient and that is good for him” (Saheeh Muslim #2999).

 “May Allah forgive and admit him to Aljannah Firdaus and grant the family, friends and associates the patience to bear this painful loss,” he said.

In a letter personally signed by Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President commiserated with government and people of Ogun State over the demise of Kashamu.

He however added that though the late Senator evaded justice through political and legal gimmicks, he could not evade death when it came.

His submission has provoked a reaction from Ayo Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State.

According to Fayose,  “It is regrettable that Obasanjo could say what he said about Buruji Kashamu after his death and when he can no longer question him. Why didn’t he say that when Kashamu was alive?”

Meanwhile, Rt. Honourable Abiodun Akilade, Commissioner, Federal Character Commission, has also commiserated with the government of Ogun and the family of Buruji Kashamu. He prayed for the reposed of the soul of the late Senator.