Chief Taoreed Faronbi, known as Baba Alado, has died at the age of 83. He was buried according to Islamic rites on the same day. For decades, he was a familiar figure in Lagos grassroots politics, the social scene, traditional affairs, and the transport sector. His life was marked by enduring years of controversy. Faronbi was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a prominent player in Lagos grassroots politics.
Faronbi was the Olori Ebi of the Alagbeji Royal Family in Papa Ajao, Mushin. He was installed in November 2015, succeeding Alhaji Chief Taiwo Shittu Apena. His selection was reportedly agreed by the four families that make up the royal family. As a prominent Mushin political figure, he was known as a mobiliser and power broker whose influence stretched across Mushin and other areas.
Faronbi was widely regarded as a heavyweight leader and influential patron within the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos. He was often described as the “Adedibu of Mushin” — a reference to the late Lamidi Adedibu, the legendary Ibadan strongman and political godfather. He also served as Babaloja of Aswani International Market. National NURTW President Musiliu Akinsanya and other transport stakeholders mourned his death.
Faronbi was a prominent Lagos socialite whose name featured in songs by leading Fuji and related musicians. He maintained a high-profile social presence for decades, often appearing with large entourages at events. His loyalists, commonly referred to as “Alado boys,” were frequently linked to the rough-and-tumble of local power struggles and multiple controversies in Mushin and beyond.
The late strongman was linked to a 2020 violent incident that occurred in the White Sand community area of Isheri-Osun, Lagos. Two men were killed, reportedly by machete wounds. Other people were injured, and property was damaged. The Kuje royal family publicly accused Alado of sponsoring or supervising the attack. In late 2020, the Federal Government filed a three-count charge against Farounbi and six co-defendants.
Faronbi consistently rejected claims that tied him to specific violent incidents. In February 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, Farounbi denied any involvement. During the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, social media and reports alleged he had sponsored thugs to attack protesters in the Alausa area of Lagos.
Faronbi remained active in political and community affairs until his later years, earning the respect of some younger political figures in Mushin. Mushin Local Government Chairman, Tunbosun Aruwe, described his death as a deeply personal loss in a tribute issued on Saturday. Aruwe said Faronbi was more than a father figure, mentor, leader and political stalwart.
Key points
- Chief Taoreed Faronbi was a prominent figure in Mushin's political, social, traditional and commercial circles for decades.
- He was widely regarded as a heavyweight leader and influential patron within the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos.
- Faronbi's life was marked by enduring years of controversy, including links to violent incidents and allegations of sponsoring thugs.
