Kashamu: Obasanjo scatters Twitter

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has set the microblogging App, Twitter on fire with his condolence letter regarding the sudden demise of Senator Buruji Kashamu.

Kashamu died at the First Cardiology Consultants, in Lagos on Saturday after he was struck by the deadly COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Obasanjo on Saturday condoled with the Ogun State Government over the demise of the businessman, in a statement signed by his spokesperson Kehinde Akinyemi.

The former president said while Kashamu’s death was “sad, his life and history left lessons for those of us on this side of the veil.”

According to Obasanjo, Kashamu, in his lifetime used the maneuver of law and politics to escape from facing justice on alleged criminal offence in Nigeria and abroad, but could not use the same maneuvering to stop the cold hand of death from snatching him away.

Obasanjo’s statement has however met with different reactions on social media, with some saying Obasanjo’s letter is an insult to the memory of the deceased as well as his grieving family.

Some people also believed African culture does not allow people to speak ill of the dead.

However, others who supported Obasanjo’s comment stated that the former lawmaker’s death should not be an excuse to shy away from the truth of the “questionable” life he lived.

See some social media reactions below;

Hmmm. This supposed Obasanjo letter. I thought that our culture is that every fight ends once one of the parties die? Or is it only in my area?

— Dr Joe Abah, OON (@DrJoeAbah) August 9, 2020

There is a time that one should sheath his/her sword no matter what is the level of animosity. That Obasanjo's condolence letter to the family of @BurujiKashamu is a low even for Obasanjo's low standard.

— Dr. Ben Gbenro (@bengbenro) August 9, 2020

Many reactions to Buruji Kashamu's demise and Obasanjo’s letter (I'll wait and see if he doesn't disown it) say a lot about #Nigeria's relationship with the truth.

Kashamu wasn't a good actor, and he was wanted abroad. That he has chosen to kick a bucket doesn't change that.

— Chxta (@Chxta) August 9, 2020

Nigerians love to idolize corrupt leaders and people with questionable character because they are rich.. let us call a spade a spade buruji kashamu was very dirty and corrupt and obasanjo even said how he maneuverd the law in his favor to protect himself.. Nigerians pls be wise pic.twitter.com/0wivAUETon

— Alex Teflondon (@lex_Teflondon) August 9, 2020

President Olusegun Obasanjo. So blunt for his era, age, status & ethnicity. Hate him, love him, he remains Olusegun Obasanjo. He says it as he sees it! He also remains the president that paid off our foreign debt in totality & gave us a new beginning. History will be kind to him.

— Olaudah Equiano® (@RealOlaudah) August 9, 2020

https://twitter.com/henryshield/status/1292371630648328192?s=20

Another episode of hypocrisy when people die. I don’t know why Obasanjo is getting backlash, esp as he has always been a cold hearted unforgiving blunt man. May Kashamu RIP. But his death doesn’t change that he was a fugitive. Live well so people don’t have to lie when you die. pic.twitter.com/gx5atiHbra

— Ayò-Bánkólé Akíntújoyè (@AyoBankole) August 9, 2020

Even when his foes die, it appears Obasanjo doesn’t forgive.

— Dr Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) August 9, 2020

Obasanjo Condolence message to Buruji Kashamu family might be too blunt for us all to accept, but please live your life well, so that we won't have to come and lie at your Funeral

— Adenekan Mayowa (@Mayorspeaks) August 9, 2020

https://twitter.com/kvng__timmy/status/1292420087094312961?s=20

https://twitter.com/mr_robmichael/status/1292358002239045634?s=20

Abba Kyari died, you were jumping & flying,
Isa funtua died you invited kwam1 life band,
So why call Obasanjo immature or irresponsible, wtf is that?
Let’s Keep the energy abeg.

Ogbeni you have a pen, write your letter too.

Some people will not forgive you too, even in death.

— Oloye Ayo Gbadebo (@holudaray) August 9, 2020

What is actually wrong in what Olusegun Obasanjo said? Nigerians are hypocritical. Where is the lie in that letter? 🙂

— Aji Bussu Onye Mpiawa azụ 🇨🇮 (@AfamDeluxo) August 9, 2020

https://twitter.com/AdeyemiUrban/status/1292439298898374656?s=20

https://twitter.com/henryshield/status/1292416994915082240?s=20

https://twitter.com/ij_kush/status/1292415224092532736?s=20

Obasanjo is the biggest hypocrite in the Nigeria’s geo-political entity.

— Akanji Micheal (@mickiebrownkie) August 9, 2020