Mushin, Lagos, has been thrown into mourning following the death of prominent community leader and transport union heavyweight, Chief Taoreed Faronbi, popularly known as Baba Alado.
Faronbi, whose name had been synonymous with Mushin’s political, social and transport circles for decades, reportedly died after years of remaining a powerful figure in the Lagos grassroots scene.
His family has confirmed his death, bringing to an end previous rounds of speculation over his wellbeing.
Interestingly, Baba Alado had been the subject of death rumours in the past.
In April 2024, he personally appeared in a video to dismiss reports circulating on social media that he had died, declaring that he was alive and well.
The report noted that similar rumours had previously caused tension in parts of Mushin and Lagos.
But this time, the news of his death has been confirmed by his family.
Baba Alado was not merely a popular Mushin personality. He was regarded as a major grassroots operator whose influence extended into politics, transport, business and community affairs.
He was associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and was also known as the Babaloja of Aswani International Market.
For years, his name featured prominently in the rough-and-tumble politics and power struggles associated with Mushin and other parts of Lagos.
His influence also attracted controversy over the years, with his name appearing in reports concerning disputes involving rival groups and political or community interests.
In 2021, for instance, police arrested four suspected armed masquerades who allegedly invaded his residence in Isheri-Oshun in an apparent attempt to attack him. The suspects were subsequently charged before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court.
Despite the controversies that sometimes surrounded his name, Baba Alado remained a recognised figure in Lagos grassroots affairs, with supporters describing him as a mobiliser and influential community leader.
His death is therefore expected to be felt beyond his immediate family, particularly among associates in Mushin, the transport sector, market circles and Lagos politics.
Details of his burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
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