Chief Taoridi Faronbi (Baba Alado of Mushin)

Chief Taoridi Faronbi died on Saturday, 26 September 2026. His family confirmed the death, and he was laid to rest the same day according to Muslim rites. Funeral attendance included Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, Mushin Local Government chairman Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe, and Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA chairman Dr Oluseyi Jakande. Aruwe issued a condolence statement describing Faronbi as a father figure, mentor and political stalwart. Early reports did not publicly state a cause of death. The confirmation ended earlier rounds of unverified death rumours that had circulated since at least 2024.

Taoridi Faronbi, also spelled Taoreed, Taoheed or Toarid in press accounts, and sometimes Farounbi, was born and raised in Mushin, Lagos. Public obituaries did not give a precise birth date or age. He later described himself as someone who would not allow unnecessary tension in the neighbourhood where he grew up. He became head (Olori Ebi) of the Alagbeji Royal Family in Papa Ajao, Mushin, succeeding earlier family leaders after consultation among family members, and pledged to support family development.

Faronbi was a land developer and a major figure in Lagos transport and street politics. He was widely respected as a leader within the National Union of Road Transport Workers and as an All Progressives Congress chieftain in Mushin. He held traditional and market titles including Akinrogun of Isolo Kingdom and Babaloja of Aswani Market. Over decades he was known as a grassroots mobiliser and power broker whose influence extended across Mushin and surrounding communities. He also spent time in the United States in later years, according to interviews he gave during the 2020 #EndSARS period, when he denied sponsoring attacks on protesters.

Faronbi was a Muslim and a well known Lagos socialite. He said in a 2016 interview that his children lived abroad, including in the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa. Fuji musicians including K1 de Ultimate, Osupa and Pasuma sang his praise, reflecting his standing in popular culture as well as politics. In April 2024 he appeared in a video to dismiss social media rumours that he had died.

Faronbi is remembered in Mushin and wider Lagos as a community leader who linked transport unionism, traditional authority, market life and APC grassroots politics. Local officials and associates praised his counsel and influence. His role as Olori Ebi of the Alagbeji Royal Family and his titles in Isolo and Aswani Market placed him at the centre of both customary and street-level networks that shape daily life in parts of Lagos.