Life, Death Of Mushin Strongman, Baba Alado

By Sherif Salau

Chief Taoreed Farounbi, popularly known as Baba Alado was a long-standing figure in the political, social and transport landscape of Mushin, Isolo and Isheri Osun in Lagos. His death, confirmed by his family on or around 26 September 2026, brought an end to years of speculation and recurring rumours about his health and wellbeing.

Early Roots and Rise

Farounbi was deeply rooted in Mushin, particularly the Papa Ajao area. He served as the head (Olori Ebi) of the Alagbeji Royal Family, a position he assumed in 2015 after the death of the previous head. Family members described him as a pillar of the lineage, selected through traditional consultation among the constituent families.

Though not highly educated himself, he ensured his children received quality education, with some based in the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa. He later relocated his base to Iseri Osun (also referred to as Isheri-Oshun), while retaining strong ties to Mushin. He was known as a land speculator and held multiple chieftaincy titles, including Babaloja of Aswani International Market and Baba Oba of Itori Land. Musicians such as K1, Pasuma and Osupa were among those who publicly praised him in their works.

Influence in Transport, Markets and Politics

Baba Alado’s influence stretched across the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos, where he was regarded as a heavyweight, particularly in the Mushin axis. As Babaloja of Aswani Market, he occupied a prominent position in the informal commercial sector. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), he was recognised as a grassroots operator and mobilizer whose reach extended into community and political networks in Mushin and surrounding areas.

Supporters viewed him as a community leader who maintained relationships across different strata of society. His name featured regularly in the rough-and-tumble of Lagos local politics, transport union affairs and market leadership for decades.

Controversies and Legal Challenges

Farounbi’s prominence also attracted controversy. In 2011, the State Security Service (SSS) arrested him at his Isheri Osun residence and reportedly recovered pump-action guns and ammunition, linking the operation to concerns about criminal activity and factional clashes in Mushin around election periods.

In 2016, following gang violence in Mushin that left several injured and vehicles burnt, he publicly denied involvement, stating that his children lived abroad and urging police to arrest the sponsors of such unrest rather than linking his name to every crisis.

The most serious legal matter arose from a deadly land dispute in March 2020 at the Whitesand community (between Festac and Amuwo-Odofin). Two men, Debo Olohunyo and Chibuzor Daniel, were killed during an attack involving rival family interests linked to Amuwo-Odofin and Isheri-Oshun. Farounbi was named in connection with the incident, with allegations that he acted as an agent for one of the parties. The Federal Government subsequently filed terrorism and related charges against him and six others. Court proceedings faced delays, including issues around service of charges and appearances. In 2021, police also arrested suspected armed men who allegedly invaded his Isheri-Oshun residence in an apparent attack.

These episodes cemented his image as a polarising figure a powerful local strongman to some, and a man repeatedly drawn into the more turbulent side of Lagos community and land politics to others.

Death and Immediate Aftermath

Death rumours had circulated about Baba Alado for years. In April 2024 he appeared in a video to dismiss reports of his demise, declaring himself alive and active and warning those who wished him dead. Similar unconfirmed claims had previously caused tension in parts of Mushin.

This time the family confirmed the news. As of the announcements on 26 September 2026, no official cause of death had been publicly detailed, and burial arrangements were expected to be released by the family. The Mushin community, segments of the Lagos transport sector and APC circles were reported to be in mourning. Tributes were anticipated from political associates, NURTW colleagues, market leaders and community stakeholders.

Legacy

Chief Taoreed Farounbi embodied a particular strand of Lagos grassroots power: rooted in family and traditional structures, influential in transport unions and markets, and deeply embedded in the competitive politics of Mushin. His life reflected both the capacity for local influence and the controversies that often accompany it in densely populated urban centres. Whether remembered primarily as a community mobiliser or as a figure linked to successive disputes, his name remained synonymous with the power dynamics of Mushin, Isolo and Isheri Osun for many years.