The remains of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election in Ogun State, Senator Buruji Kashamu, who died of COVID-19 at the age of 62, were yesterday laid to rest at his residence in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Council of the state.
Thousands of sympathisers, who thronged the late politician and philanthropist residence to catch a glimpse of his remains, yesterday, were seen wailing as his lifeless body was brought before it was laid to rest.
Security agents and some of the aides of the late politician cum businessman had hectic day in controlling the crowd.
Kashamu’s remains were lowered into the grave at exactly 12:45 p.m. in his house located at Egbe Quarters, Oke-Sopin in Ijebu-Igbo.
The burial prayer was led by the Sheik Mikail Sile Rufia, who is the mufti of Ogun State.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his tribute, said: “Senator Esho Jinadu 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 can stop the cold hand of death when the Creator of all of us decides that the time is up.”
The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, described the death of Kashamu as a big loss to the political family in Nigeria.
In a statement, yesterday, Tinubu expressed deep shock and sadness by the passing of Kashamu, saying that the lawmaker was a notable leader in the country and a true grassroots politician.
He said: “Kashamu fought for his convictions, for the people of Ogun State and for his country. He was also a good party man, unwavering in his support for PDP through all the twists and turns of his political life. His passing is a big loss to the larger political family in Nigeria.”
The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, who arrived at the Kashamu home at about 10.39a.m. in company of some of his cabinet members, described his friend of 25 years as a courageous, passionate and cheerful giver.
He said that the state political landscape would not be the same without him.
Also, Dr. Reuben Abati, who was Kashamu’s running mate during the 2019 gubernatorial election, said the late politician was “grossly misunderstood” in his lifetime, describing him as “a very kind and large-hearted man” who invested in the lives of less-privileged across the state.
In his tribute, Senator Adegbenga Kaka described the death of Kashamu as a loss, saying he lived his life in the way God wanted him to live.
A stalwart, Mrs. Basirat Aderoju, who spoke with The Guardian, expressed sadness over his death, saying: “I felt bad. We actually lost a good politician. If he didn’t die, I believe he would have realised his political ambition, but God knows best.”
Also, Adisa Olapade, who spoke with The Guardian, described him as a good politician that embraced and lifted up all the people around him.
“We really enjoyed working with him as he carried all of us along in making decisions,” he said.
Some PDP stalwarts, who spoke with The Guardian, described him nice and generous.
“He was very kind, generous and attended to all our needs. He treated us like members of his own family. We will really miss him,” they said.
Another PDP stalwart, John Adewale, described him as a good politician, who knew what he was doing, adding: “He was a very kind and good politician who changed many people’s lives. He was a very rare person.”
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