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Renowned security expert, Chief Owolabi Ajayi, popularly known as S.O., has mourned the death of prominent Lagos socialite and community leader, Chief Taoreed Faronbi, popularly known as “Baba Alado,” saying Mushin and Lagos have lost a man who made a lasting impact on the community.
Ajayi, Chairman of Mainforce International Investment Limited, described Faronbi as a remarkable personality whose community contributions and distinctive presence would be sorely missed.
Faronbi, 83, died in the early hours of Saturday, September 26, 2026, after decades of prominence in the social, transport, business and community circles of Lagos.
In a condolence statement issued on Monday, Ajayi said Baba Alado was a man who “made his mark” and whose name would continue to be remembered by those whose paths crossed his.
“Baba Alado was a man who made his mark. His contributions, relationships and presence within the community and transport space will not be forgotten,” Ajayi said.
According to him, Faronbi’s contributions went beyond his business and traditional engagements, as he played a significant role in the social fabric of the communities where he lived and operated.
Until his death, Faronbi was the Olori Ebi, or head, of the Alagbeji Royal Family in Papa Ajao, Mushin.
He was also associated with several traditional and commercial titles, including Akinrogun of Isolo Kingdom and Babaloja of Aswani International Market.
For several decades, he was a familiar figure in Lagos grassroots circles, particularly in Mushin, where he cultivated relationships across business, transport, political and community groups.
His influence also extended to the social scene, where he was widely recognised as a prominent socialite and maintained relationships with leading entertainers.
Faronbi also had interests in land development and real estate, building an extensive network across Lagos. Some of his activities in the sector, however, occasionally generated legal and communal disputes.
His family announced his death on Saturday, while his remains were subsequently buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The funeral attracted relatives, friends, residents and prominent political and community figures.
Ajayi said Faronbi’s death would be felt particularly in Mushin and among those who interacted with him over the years, describing his wide network of relationships as one of the defining features of his life.
He added that Faronbi’s name and contributions would remain part of the history of the communities and social circles in which he played prominent roles.
Tributes have continued to pour in from associates, transport stakeholders, socialites, friends and residents of Mushin, who have joined the family in mourning a man who remained a prominent presence in Lagos community life for several decades.
