My darling, this is unbelievable. You were so strong and could wrestle your way out of everything, that I thought you would live to a 100 years. To me, you were larger than life and this wasn’t what I expected. We agreed to walk home together from the Hospital but God knows best. You were a doting father to the children and your baby will never get to know how much you loved her. You were going to give her the world and everything she ever wanted. How will I explain this to her? When she’s singing her ‘Baba Kashamu’ song, will you still dance, in Al-jannah? You fought me over everything but I’ll still apologise because I knew you just wanted to be right. I will forever miss you my darling. Our lives will never be the same without you. I will forever love you my darling. From your ‘MADAM’
–SUSAN KASHAMU
Baba, as he was fondly called by all. He was a father of all and to all whether he knew them or not. These few days have been very challenging and tough for me. I am struggling hard to come to terms with the demise of my beloved dad. The memories and stories his family, his friends and the people of Ijebu land shared during this tough times are immensely and immeasurably pleasant. They encapsulated how special he was. Baba was not just a father, he was a friend, a best friend, an adviser, a “Lawyer”, a mentor and pillar to many. I will forever be indebted to him for his fatherly care, moral upbringing, sacrifices and most especially worthy principles of life that he impacted on us all. I believe God will be pleased with the way he carried out his fatherly role on us all. His exemplary life and the legacies left behind by the beautiful soul will continue linger in our memories till eternity. Baba never joked with any of his children as he gave moral support, security and overall protective on each and every child such that he would go any and everywhere with us. We was a disciplinarian and impacted the same principle in US. He ensured tha he gave us the best education and also made us understand street life. he raised us in both worlds. The true measure of a man is how much love he gives, how selflessly he shares whatever he has to help others, how consistently he lifts those around him, his laughter and the good memories he creates. By all measures, Baba was immeasurable. His life, influence and energy are intrinsically linked to mine and my siblings and I now take comfort in the good deeds he had done in abundance. I feel fortunate to have been born and raised by such an icon and role model. Baba came, Baba saw and Baba conquered. You remain an Icon and Ijebu legend (Alanu Mekunnu) I pray God grants you eternal rest.
–Mrs. Sherifatu Kashamu-Ademakinwa
My father (Buruji Kashamu) was a remarkable man. While one may try one’s best to describe what an exceptional figure the immovable force that Buruji Kashamu was, only his commanding presence and authority could do him real justice. My father was the great hero of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, who made a name and great fortune for himself in the early 1980s hailing from a humble family with respectable parents in the community. I remember he used to tell me stories about how growing up was for him, the struggles and the countless obstacles he had to overcome…Making friends and of course enemies; If there was anyone who knew him, he would confess that he was a warrior who never drew back from a battle. He chose his battles carefully and went into them with clear conviction of winning and that was always the case; he was a winner. Growing up around a strong man with principles and authority, yet with a loving and tender heart made me to learn a lot and very fast too. He taught me selflessness and service. He taught me the importance of giving back to the society. He taught me to be fair in everything I do and above all the importance of fighting for Justice, amonst many other fundamentals, that make me the man I am today. My father had a wonderful way of bringing people together and was widely loved everywhere he went because he was warm-hearted. He was a philanthropist and a cheerful giver in every sense of those expressions. Although, Buruji Kashamu was my father, he made me and my siblings to know that he was a father to many. He was also a strict and firm decision maker and the best father one could wish for. He took care of all his children, relatives, the whole community and even those he did not know within Ijebu-Igbo and beyond without hesitation. This is a tribute to the biggest hero I have ever known, but words are not enough to describe the great man that my father was. So, I will honour him with my actions and keep the Kashamu legacy alive. Adieu, my Hero!
–RASHEED KASHAMU
Grandpa, you were and forever will be our inspiration. We love you and will forever miss you. However, God loved you more and now you have gone home to rest from all the troubles and trials of this world. We will see you again one day. Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rest easy, Grandpa.
–GRANDCHILDREN-OYINDA, AISHAH AND ZION
My father, Senator Buruji Kashamu was a great leader, a Philanthropist, A Politician, a Champion, A Hero, a man of courage and above all my father. He lived a fulfilled life and was a blessing to all he encountered. He had a heart of Gold and everyone was equal in his eye. I feel so blessed to have been fathered by you and I am thankful for the wonderful life you have given me. I am deeply shocked and saddened. My heart is completely broken and words fail me to say the least. I still cannot accept or come to terms with what has happened. There’s so much I want to say, so much I want to ask but who am I to question the will of Allah. Daddy had so many plans for us, he wanted the abosulte best for each of his children. Who will walk me down the aisle? Who will call me at 6.30pm asking me why I am not home yet? Who will ask me to massage his leg for hours? Baba is no more. But only in body. Not in spirit. Baba lives on. This is by far the most painful and heart ripping life altering experience I’ve endured. I take comfort in knowing my dad lived an extraordinary life. That he is no longer in pain. That suffering is no longer something he has to endure. My dad will forever be in my heart until the day it stops beating. The bond and connection we had can never be explained nor understood. I thank Allah SWT that i experienced the best and worst days of your life. I experienced the last days of your life. All that you have thought us, the constant advice especially to Aminath and I will never be forgotten and will be emulated. Your sweat and tears will never go in vain, your legacy will live and grow a thousand folds. What is the measure of a man? Is it by the amount of money he has? The properties he owns? The power he possesses? Or success he achieved over the years? None of this is. The true measure of a man is by how he touches people lives. Baba left an impact on every person he met. He served his people whole heartedly. My dad was immeasurable. You will always be the best thing that ever happened to me, I promise to make you proud, You will never be forgotten and I will love you forever. May Allah’s blessing be upon my father forever and may Allah SWT grant him Janatul Firdous. Rest in perfect peace daddy. My Guardian angel till we meet again.
–Maimunat Kashamu
A leader, A Hero. My father Prince Buruji Kashamu. Losing my dad, is to lose a part of me. Someone who has always been there for me for better or for worse. I lost my mentor, the one who taught me so much and the one who made me who I am today. I lost my best friend, the person I was always cracking jokes with, arguing and learning from. Loosing you will not be easy for me but you always told me to remain strong no matter what happens in this life. I will do it for you, to honour you. You weren’t perfect but I never could have asked for a better dad. You provided me with everything a child could ask for, and more which I am grateful and proud of. I know everyone thinks they have the best father, but let me tell you all you are wrong mine was the best!!! You never refused a sacrifice to satisfy all my whims. I shed tears as I write these lines because to think that I lost you, means for me to be alone forever. You had no right to leave me. I needed you so much and if I had known that you were going to go away, I would’ve held on to you with force, I would have clung onto you. Nothing will be able to fill your absence and I will miss your presence forever. You were an incredible man, dedicated and always there for everyone. You will be missed by all those who knew you. I’m sure everyone around me is of the same opinion. The years may come and go but the memory will not be erased. Even if I can’t hear you, hold you or see you, I know that you will always watch over me from heaven. Rest in peace. Je T’aime Papa.
–Amina Kashamu
Dad you left us a few days ago and my pain is still high. Dad, today we are writing this letter to you to thank you for all you have done for us. You had always protected and reassured us all in the most difficult times. You lifted us to the top and you always pushed us to give the maximum of ourselves. You fought your whole life for us and you make us fell good. You have always been there for us and I know you will always be by our side fighting for us. You will stay in our heart forever. May your soul rest in peace.
–KEVIN AND YANN KASHAMU
Dad, we have always had a special relationship but among all we deeply loved you and you were always behind our back pushing us to be the best. You were a man of faith, with stars in the eyes, you loved to challenge yourself and reach your ambitions. We are grateful for the life you gave us, we admire you, you are our real model, and you will always be in our heart. We know you are watching us, it’s not the end, it’s just the beginning of a new life. we love you.
–MARIYAM AND MARIE KASHAMU
