Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Senator Buruji Kashamu, yesterday, died of complications from Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in Lagos. He was aged 62.

The Guardian learnt that Kashamu, who tested positive for the disease, had been receiving treatment at the First Cardiology Consultants Hospital, Lagos.

Recall that former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, the late Abba Kyari and a former governor of Oyo State, late Abiola Ajimobi had earlier passed on at the facility due to COVID-19 complications.

Close allies of the late senator, who represented Ogun East senatorial district between 2015 and 2019, said Kashamu had underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and high blood pressure, which combined to quickly weaken his immune system.

A former lawmaker, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, while confirming Kashamu’s death, said the deceased would be sorely missed. “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. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Born on May 19, 1958, Kashamu represented Ogun East in the 8th National Assembly, where he served as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government.

His death came exactly one year after the death of his mother, Alhaja Wulemotu Kashamu, who died on August 7, 2019 at the age of 96.