Kashamu: One death too many, say Obasanjo, Abiodun, Kalu, Babatope

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed shock over the death of Senator Buruji Kashamu on Saturday.
A statement in Abeokuta by Mr Kunle Somorun, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Abiodun, confirmed that Buruji died in a hospital in Lagos on Saturday.
Kashamu represented the Ogun East Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly.
He also contested the gubernatorial ticket of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections.
Abiodun, in the statement, described Kashamu’s passage as one death too many and a devastating blow to the nation’s political family generally.
“I received the sad news of the passing of Sen. Buruji Kashamu today, August 8, 2020, with a deep pain and grief that words cannot capture.
“On behalf of my family, the government and good people of Ogun , I convey our deepest condolences.
“His demise further diminishes the tribe of my close political associates.
” He was a large-hearted politician and courageous fighter for whatever cause he believed in.
“He was not just a loving personality, a generous giver and someone who lived for others, he was to many a beacon of hope of a better tomorrow.
“This painful exit is much more than the end of an individual,” Abiodun said.
The governor described Kashamu as a phenomenon who was faithful to his principles and convictions, adding that his critics would even attest to his tenacity of purpose.
Abiodun, who also referred to Kashamu as ” a brother and friend”, said the deceased was a consummate politician and patriot who would be sorely missed within and outside Ogun for his “larger than life” disposition.
“Posterity will accord him his due recognition for his legacies of service and forthrightness.
“He was a worthy Ambassador of Ogun.
“I urge you all to take solace in the saying of Prophet Muhammad which says that ‘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 or 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,” Abiodun said.
Similarly, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a letter dated August 8, and addressed to Abiodun, condoled with the governor over Kashamu’s death.
” I received the sad news of the demise of Sen. Buruji Kashamu, a significant citizen of Ogun.
“Please accept my condolence and that of my family on this irreparable loss.
“The life and history of the departed have lessons for those of all us on this side of the veil.
“Kashamu in his lifetime used the manoeuvre of law and politics to escape from facing justice on alleged criminal offence in Nigeria and outside Nigeria.
” But no legal, political, cultural, social or even medical manoeuvre could stop the cold hand of death when the Creator of all of us decides that the time is up.
“May Allah forgive his sin and accept his soul into Aljanah, and may God grant his family and friends fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
A former lawmaker, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce had earlier revealed that Kashamu died of COVID-19 at the First Cardiology Consultants in Lagos.
Bruce wrote on his verified twitter handle:“I have just lost my good friend of forever to COVID-19.
“Until his death, Sen. Buruji Kashamu and I were inseparable. He died today at First Cardiology Consultants in Lagos,” Bruce tweeted.
Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State over the passing of Kashamu.
Acknowledging the philanthropic gestures of the late Senator, Kalu expressed sadness over the loss.
In a condolence message from the office of the Chief Whip of the Senate, the former Governor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Kashamu family, while praying to God to repose the soul of the late Senator.
He said, ” I received with pain the news of the demise of Senator Buruji Kashamu.
“The late Senator Kashamu was a philanthropist and consummate politician who was passionate about the welfare of his people.
“The deceased was a notable figure in the political space, having served as a Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly.
“He was a detrabilized Nigerian”.
Kalu prayed to God to comfort the family members, friends and associates of the deceased.
A PDP chieftain, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, says he is shattered by the death of Kashamu.
Kashamu, who had an extradition saga with U.S. authorities over alleged drug offences a few years ago, was a prominent member of the PDP.
Babatope, a former Minister of Transportation, described Kashamu’s passage as devastating, saying that the death of the politician was a rude shock.
He described the PDP chieftain as a likable personality, saying that his departure was a big loss to the PDP.
“I am shattered by the news of the death of Sen. Buruji Kashamu. I am saddened by his departure.
“He was such a likable personality, who was liked by everyone in PDP.
“This is a big shock to us. This news is devastating. I wish it was not true that Kashamu is gone,” said Babatope.
He prayed for the repose of Kashamu’s soul, asking God to grant the family fortitude to bear the loss.