Inside final days of Mushin ‘strongman’ Baba Alado - Punch Newspapers

Baba Alado. Credit: Global Excellence | web

Chief Taoreed Faronbi, popularly known as Baba Alado, a prominent figure in Mushin’s political, social, traditional and commercial circles, has died at the age of 83 after battling an illness for some years. Faronbi died in the early hours of Saturday, September 26, 2026, and was buried later the same day at his residence in Isheri-Oshun, in accordance with Islamic rites. His immediate younger brother and Baale of Oke Mushin, Chief Tajudeen Faronbi, confirmed that the late community leader had been nursing an illness for some years. Asked what led to his death, Tajudeen said, “The doctor will say that, but he has been sick for some years. He has been nursing a sickness, but it is the doctor that can expatiate more.” He described his late brother as accommodating and someone who disliked disrespect, adding that although he could be strong and stubborn, he did not steal and was known to help people. “He helped people. He has built houses for some people and helped many,” he said, adding that since 1976, when Faronbi began dealing with land matters, he had never sold the same piece of land to two people. Faronbi attended Islamic Model School, Mushin, and learnt carpentry at a young age. He hailed from Isolo before rising to become one of the most recognisable figures in Mushin. For decades, he was a familiar figure in Lagos grassroots politics, traditional affairs, the transport sector and the social scene, while his name was also associated with several controversies. He was the fifth head, or Olori Ebi, of the Alagbeji Royal Family in Papa Ajao, Mushin. He was installed in November 2015, succeeding Alhaji Chief Taiwo Apena, who had died nine years earlier. His selection was reportedly agreed upon by the four families that make up the royal family – Apena, Arowoye/Ejoga, Akinlagun and Alabe. He held several traditional and commercial titles, including Akinrogun of Isolo Kingdom. In politics, Faronbi was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and was regarded as a prominent grassroots mobiliser and power broker whose influence extended across Mushin and other parts of Lagos. He was described by some in local political and street circles as the “Adedibu of Mushin,” a reference to the late Ibadan political strongman, Lamidi Adedibu. He was also widely regarded as an influential patron within the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos, particularly around Mushin and adjoining areas. His loyalists were commonly referred to as “Alado boys.” Faronbi also served as Babaloja, or market leader, of Aswani International Market.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google His death has attracted tributes from political, traditional and transport figures, including National NURTW President Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and other stakeholders. MC Oluomo, in a statement, expressed grief over the loss of Baba Alado, stating that the late Mushin strongman made his mark and his name would be remembered by many. He said, “Baba Alado was a man who made his mark, and his name will remain remembered by many. “His contributions, relationships, and presence within the transport and community space will not be forgotten.” Also, Mushin Local Government chairman, Tunbosun Aruwe, described Faronbi as a father figure, mentor, leader and political stalwart. In a tribute, Aruwe said, “Late Chief Alhaji Taoreed Faronbi was more than a political associate; he was a father figure, a trusted elder and a man whose guidance, wisdom, fatherly counsel and presence meant so much to me.” He added that Faronbi’s contributions to the political and community life of Mushin would remain part of his legacy. The Baale of Akinwumi area of Mushin, Chief Abdulateef Yahya, also described Faronbi as a man who helped settle disputes and worked to prevent conflicts in the community. He said, “Baba is someone that once you cooperate with him, he is ready to help you. He does not like backtalk or flouting agreement. He settled so many issues. He is the one who holds Mushin because he settles many issues to avoid conflicts.” Lagos State spokesman of the APC and former chairman of Mushin Local Government, Seye Oladejo, described Faronbi as a community leader and progressive politician who was committed to peace and tranquillity in the neighbourhood. Similarly, the former Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Rasaq Ajala, described him as a great leader who was deeply connected to his community, saying his contributions to the growth and development of Mushin would not be forgotten. A former Mushin LG retiree and close associate of the late Faronbi, Rasheed Bakare, described him as an influential and widely respected figure who played a significant role in Mushin politics. ‘Why I sued APC over name substitution’ 2027: Tampolo movement donates 50 vehicles for Tinubu Atiku, Skelewu and Oladejo’s dance of fallacy Bakare, who spoke in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, said the deceased was a man of considerable influence who was loved by many in the community. “Baba Alado was a very influential man who was loved by many. He was so influential that he was even so close to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “He was a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and remained an active traditionalist and Muslim until his death. He was an Awori man and an indigene of Lagos State,” he said. Bakare said Faronbi had been battling ill health for some time before his death, adding that he suffered a partial stroke, an eye problem and other ailments associated with old age. He said the health challenges took a toll on the deceased, prompting his family to move him to his residence in Isheri-Oshun, where he eventually died. Recalling Faronbi’s influence in Mushin, Bakare described him as a bold man who commanded considerable respect in the local political space. “His word was law, and everyone feared and loved him at the same time. He was some sort of kingmaker in Mushin Local Government. “Despite all this, he was a man of peace who eschewed crime and laziness,” Bakare said. He added that Faronbi was blessed with many children and had several wives. Bakare said the death of the culture advocate had created a void in Mushin politics, describing him as a major figure whose contribution and influence would be remembered by those who knew him. For years, Faronbi was also a prominent figure on the Lagos social scene. His name featured in songs by leading Fuji and related musicians, including K1 De Ultimate, Saheed Osupa and Alabi Pasuma. He was often seen at social events with large entourages. However, his public life was not without controversy. He was linked to a violent incident in the White Sand community area of Isheri-Osun in 2020, where two men were killed and others injured. The Kuje royal family accused him of sponsoring or supervising the attack, an allegation he rejected. In late 2020, the Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, filed a three-count charge against Faronbi and six others before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The charges alleged conspiracy and participation in acts of terrorism in connection with the March 19, 2020 incident. Faronbi consistently denied allegations linking him to specific violent incidents. In 2011, following a crisis in the Idi-Araba axis of Mushin, a newspaper report linked him to leading a faction of the Oodua People’s Congress. In a response published by PM News, Faronbi denied the allegation, saying he neither belonged to the OPC nor, at the time, the NURTW. He also said he was in Ghana when the incident occurred. He was similarly linked in security reports to factional tensions involving NURTW and street groups in Mushin in 2011. He later rejected suggestions that he controlled hoodlums in the area. During the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, reports and social media claims alleged that he sponsored thugs who attacked protesters in Alausa. In an interview with The PUNCH, Faronbi denied the allegation, saying he had not visited Alausa in almost 15 years and had no interest in the protests. Despite the controversies, Faronbi remained active in political and community affairs into his later years and continued to command the respect of several younger political figures and community leaders. His death also comes after years in which false reports and rumours about his death and health circulated. In April 2024, he personally appeared in a video to debunk one such report. Faronbi’s death has now brought to an end the life of a man whose influence, relationships and controversies were deeply woven into the political, traditional, transport and social history of Mushin. For those who knew him closely, however, his final chapter is also remembered through his role as a benefactor, mediator, community leader and political figure who, according to his brother and several mourners, helped many people and settled disputes within his community. Kindly share this story:

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