Mushin Mourns Influential Figure: A Look at Baba Alado's Enduring Legacy

The journey of Chief Taoreed Faronbi, widely recognized as Baba Alado, has concluded, marking the exit of a formidable personality from Mushin's political, social, traditional, and commercial landscape. Faronbi, who passed away at 83 on Saturday morning, was laid to rest later that day in accordance with Islamic tradition. For decades, he remained a notable figure in Lagos grassroots politics, social gatherings, traditional affairs, and the transportation sector, his years often accompanied by controversy. Here's a deeper insight into the life of the late Mushin strongman:

**1. Head of the Alagbeji Royal Family**

Faronbi served as the fifth Olori Ebi, or family head, of the Alagbeji Royal Family situated in Papa Ajao, Mushin. He assumed this esteemed position in November 2015, following the demise of Alhaji Chief Taiwo Shittu Apena nine years prior. His selection was reportedly endorsed by the four constituent families of the royal lineage: Apena, Arowoye/Ejoga, Akinlagun, and Alabe.

**2. A Key Political Figure in Mushin**

For many years, Baba Alado was a significant force in Lagos grassroots politics, renowned for his ability to mobilize support and wield influence across Mushin and its environs. He held a prominent position as a chieftain within the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2020, a former chairman of Mushin Local Government acknowledged Faronbi among the community and political leaders who lent their support to his administration. The incumbent Mushin LG Chairman, Tunbosun Aruwe, also paid tribute to him, describing him as a paternal figure, mentor, leader, and political stalwart.

**3. Influential Godfather in Various Sectors**

Farounbi was widely perceived as a powerful leader and an influential patron within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos, particularly within the Mushin axis and surrounding areas. In local political and street circles, he was frequently likened to the “Adedibu of Mushin,” a comparison to the late Lamidi Adedibu, the legendary Ibadan political godfather. During his prime, he was considered the foremost NURTW patron and a godfather figure to numerous NURTW chiefs and 'area boys' across parts of Lagos. His loyalists, commonly known as “Alado boys,” were often associated with the tumultuous local power struggles and various controversies in Mushin and beyond. He also held the title of Babaloja (market leader) for Aswani International Market. The National NURTW President, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, along with other transport stakeholders, expressed their condolences on his passing.

**4. Renowned Socialite and Musician's Patron**

Baba Alado was a celebrated Lagos socialite whose name resonated in the songs of leading Fuji and related musicians, including K1 De Ultimate, Saheed Osupa, and Alabi Pasuma. He maintained a high-profile social presence for decades, frequently attending events accompanied by large entourages.

**5. Controversy Surrounding 2020 Attack**

The late strongman was implicated in a violent incident that occurred in 2020 within the White Sand community area of Isheri-Osun, Lagos. This event was reportedly linked to a boundary dispute between Festac/Amuwo-Odofin and Isheri-Oshun. The clash resulted in the deaths of two men, reportedly from machete wounds, with others sustaining injuries and property being damaged. The Kuje royal family (from the Amuwo side) publicly accused Alado of sponsoring or overseeing the attack on behalf of the opposing Fagbile Isheri-Oshun family's interests. In late 2020, the Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, initiated a three-count charge (FHC/L/279c/2020) against Farounbi and six co-defendants—Alhaji Olusegun Akinde (alias Echo), Ayokunle Fakiyesi, Idowu Akinde, Musiliu Oladejo, Lekan Matthew, and Adeleke Akindeji—before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The charges alleged conspiracy and participation in acts of terr*rism under Section 1(2)(a) of the Terr*rism Prevention Act 2011 (as amended), contributing to the two fatalities and property destruction in the White Sand area on March 19, 2020.

**6. Denials Amidst Violence Allegations**

Farounbi consistently refuted claims connecting him to specific acts of violence. For instance, in February 2011, following a crisis in Mushin's Idi-Araba axis that claimed the life of a Hausa resident, a newspaper report linked him to leading an Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) faction in the clashes. In response, he asserted that he was neither a member of the OPC nor (at that time) the National Union of Road Transport Workers as alleged. He further stated he was in Ghana on the day of the mayhem, offering his international passport entries as proof. He expressed surprise at not being contacted for his perspective prior to the publication. Separately in 2011, security reports associated him with factional tensions in Mushin involving NURTW and street groups; the State Security Service (SSS) subsequently arrested him at his Isheri Osun residence, reportedly recovering pump-action guns and ammunition.