Otunba Gbenga Daniel (right) with the widow and son of his late political rival, Buruji Kashamu during a condolence visit to their Ijebu Igbo home on Tuesday.

Ololade Adeyanju/

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has disclosed the dying wish of Senator Buruji Kasamu on who should inherit his political structure.

According to Daniel, Kashamu had planned to hand over his political structure to him three days before his death.

Daniel made the revelation at Ijebu Igbo when he paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of late Kashamu who died last Saturday of COVID-19.

Apparently knowing that he might not survive the COVID-19 attack, Kashamu had reportedly sent a delegation led by one of his lawyers to Daniel on Wednesday, August 4, 2020, where Kashamu’s wish was communicated to him.

The former Governor was reacting to a statement made by Dr Remi Bakare who spoke on behalf of the Buruji Kashamu Political structure.

Bakare while welcoming Daniel to the Ijebu Igbo home of the Kashamus said that “it was the wish of the late Senator to have his structure handed over to H.E OGD”.

While commiserating with the family, Daniel said Kashamu was somebody “you should be proud of because he did his utmost best to help humanity”.

He added, “I’m not here to play politics but to commiserate with you the family. God will continue to uphold you because while alive Buruji has helped a lot of people. And there is no better testimony to this than the crowd which came out en-masse in spite of the pandemic challenges; people still came out in large numbers to bid him farewell.”

Otunba Gbenga Daniel signing the condolence register at Kashamu’s home in Ijebu Igbo

Responding to Bakare’s statement, Daniel said, “It was true that Buruji sent a delegation to me last Wednesday 4th August 2020, who came to discuss with me about his wish that I should provide further leadership for the political structure which he built and has nurtured over the years.

“When the representatives which include his Lawyer came, I discouraged political discussion and pleaded with them to all go and pray for his survival. Unfortunately, he passed on a few days after.

“We’re mourning a great man. His wish was to make peace with everyone before his death. As a human, you must have strong friends and strong enemies.

“We met in 2008. I recalled that he came to show appreciaton for the Construction of the road leading to his house. He said he was touched that I was able to construct the road despite the fact notable politicians like former Deputy Governor and former House of Representatives member have their houses along the same road. ‘Omoilu Foundation’ started as ‘OGD Omoilu Foundation’ before people created crisis between us. The rest is history. If there was no yesterday there cannot be today. And if there is no today there cannot be tomorrow.”

Reacting to the former Governor’s visit, the son of the deceased, Kabiru Kashamu said he was happy that the differences between Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his father were resolved before his death. He said he would be looking forward to the continuation of such a relationship between the two families.

On the entourage of Otunba Daniel are notable politicians including, Chief Ibukun Ojosipe, ACP Lamidi Odulawa (Rtd), Dr. Bankole Osinsanya, Otunba Mrs Ronke Oduneye, Evang Olusoji Eweje, Bisi Ogunde and Akogun Deji Kalejaiye.

The former Governor and his team were received by the widow of the late politician, his children, members of his family and his political associates which include Hon. Taiwo Shote, Dr Remi Bakare, Otunba R. A. Adenaike, Hon Ola Kukoyi, Chief Kola Sorinola and a host of others.

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By Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

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