Saturday 21st September 2019 would remain an unforgettable day for the prestigious family of Kashamu in Ijebu Igbo, as they had a grand burial ceremony for their matriarch, late Alhaja Wulemot Ebunoluwa Kashamu, who is also The Iya Suna Muslumi of Ijebu Igbo before she passed on at age 96. The day marked the 40th-day funeral ceremony of the mother of Senator Buruji Kashamu, who is known to have shared a very close bond with his mum. Losing her to the cold hands of death after a brief illness on the 7th of August was a painful experience for the family and the community at large.
Iya Olobi, as she was popularly called was described as a very courageous, industrious, compassionate woman who could give her eyes to the needy.
When the news of her death broke, Senator Buruji got condolence letters from the Executive Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Rt. Hon. Adekoya Adesegun Abdulmajid, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, MTN Nigeria Communication International, The Sun newspaper, Best Western Hotels, to mention, but a few.
The entire town of Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State received an influx of unusual dignitaries who stormed Senator Buruji Kashamu’s mum’s burial at the Omo Ilu Foundation Headquarters, in Ijebu Igbo. It is one of of the most talked about parties of the year in Ijebuland, as it had over 5000 guests in attendance. It was well attended by the crème de la crème of the society, royal fathers, political bigwigs, captains of industries, Islamic clerics, corporate organizations, to mention but a few. It was a show of wealth, affluence and luxury at its peak.
The event kicked off with prayers and the fidau was presided over by the Chief Imam Of Offa, (Kwara State), Sheikh Muyideen Salmon Hussein and other eminent Islamic clerics who prayed for the deceased, her children and family. Over 20 Eminent Islamic cleric across Nigeria stormed the Fidau prayer. The Fidau lasted for hours and it was witnessed by political bigwigs.
Shortly after the Fidau prayers, the guests of Senator Buruji Kashamu moved to 3000 capacity Omo Ilu Foundation headquarters (hall) for the reception. The hall was beautifully decorated in gold and teal green with the guest list. Each table had the names of dignitaries expected to be on the table.
Over 50 top politicians in Nigeria stormed the event. They include the Executive Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun, Former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who represented the immediate past Secretary of Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, Chief Tunde Tosho, Senator Engr Adebabasanwo, Senator Murray Bruce, Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Otunba Bamidele Adegboyega, former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Former Governor of Ogun State Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Oyo State Adebayo Alao Akala, former Governor Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun, Asiwaju Tunde Badmus, Senator Teslim Folarin,Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Soji Akanbi, Senator Sam Anyawu, Senator Duro Faseyi, Senator Obinna Ogba, Dr Ayandele shola, Former deputy Governor Ogun State Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Dr Badeyola, Babatunde Olaotan, Prince Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, Prof. Taoheeed Adedoja, Alhaji Muri Gbadeyanka.
It was a gathering of royal majesties from different parts of the Yoruba race who came to give royal blessings. HRM Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji, The Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle Gbadewole, The Olu Of Itori Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo, to mention but a few. It was a no invite, no entry event. There was maximum security and the personnel were very diligent at what they were doing. They screened every guest and demanded their invites before allowing them in and there was no room for any form of gatecrashing.
One of the best musical bands in Nigeria, Faith Band and his men were on stage to welcome and entertain guests. They thrilled guests. Faith Band has been able to carve a niche for themselves in the music industry and they delivered their best at the event. Guests could not hide their feelings as they enjoyed the songs and sprayed crispy naira note on the band.
One of Nigeria’s best Comedians Seyi Law changed the atmosphere, as he cracked heavy jokes with the politicians and entertainers. He introduced guests in a comic way reminding them of what they are owing to him. He mentioned that it was his first time of meeting the former senate president and he was extremely honoured to meet him. He engaged the guests and got their attention with his impressive jokes.
Nigerian top music producer and gospel artiste Yinka Ayefele was the guest artiste for the day and he thrilled guests with his songs for hours. The guests could not get too enough of him and they were asking for more. While Ayefele was entertaining the guests, Adekunle Temitope popularly known as Small Doctor walked in with his entourage of soldiers. He walked to the stage and paid homage to Yinka Ayefele, who gave him the microphone to sing for a while before his major performance. Also, Zlatan Ibile, who is also a top artiste entertained guests with his hit songs. One of Naijas biggest DJ HUMILITY was on wheels giving the best of Naija Jamz.
Senator Buruji Kashamus lovely wife, Susan Kashamu, rocked a luxury lace and pieces of jewellery. She was a beauty to behold and her fashion statement made heads turn. She was very warm and she made sure guests were properly taken care of. Her husband was seen loving up with her on stage.
Nollywood actors and screen divas also honoured Senator Buruji Kashamu with their presence. Prince Jide Kosoko, Zack Orji, Eniola Badmus, Ayo Adesanya. Kemi Afolabi Adesipe, Adekola Odunlade, to mention, but a few. They all rocked the Aso-Ebi Ankara, lace, cap and headgear.
–TITILOPE OGUNLEYE
