Popular APC chieftain, Baba Ile-Ogbo, whose full name is Alhaji Chief Saibu Adelaja Mohammed, has died at Abule-Egba aged 86, after over 40 years playing key roles in the grassroots management of the political temperament of the people of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria.
He died on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at his Lagos residence, where he hosted party meetings as the APC Apex Leader of Ojokoro, Ifako-Ijaiye.
Baba Ile-Ogbo joined politics in the 80s and went on to raise “new generations of Ojokoro, Ifako-Ijaiye leaders while building a name (Baba Ile-Ogbo) around his community in Lagos Nigeria.”
His daughter, lawyer and lecturer, Dr. Khadeejat Adelaja-Kolawole, in her tribute, described him as a “fundamentalist politician.”
She said: “Baba belonged to a rare class of political fundamentalists who knew what to say always, when to say it, and how to say it. I will miss my father greatly.”
Hon. Benjamen Olabinjo, Member of the House of Representatives from the Ifako-Ijaiye federal constituency, expressed his condolences, saying, “It is with consternation and great sadness that I received the news of the passing away of our great apex leader Alhaji Saibu Adelaja Mohammed.
“I am deeply saddened by this great loss. I pray that Allah will grant him Aljannah.
“My most sincere condolences to the immediate family, APC family in Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro, friends, and Ileogbo community.”
Baba Ile-Ogbo was a charismatic and respected leader who had a significant impact on both the local and state-level politics.
DON’T MISS: BIOGRAPHY OF BABA ILE-OGBO: Alhaji Chief Saibu Adelaja Mohammed
He played a pivotal role in shaping the Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro All Progressives Congress (APC) and left an indelible mark on the community he served.
In a condolence message shared on Facebook, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, the Executive Chairman, IFAKO-IJAIYE LGA, described the octogenarian as a peace promoting statesman.
He said: “My condolences to the Family and Political Empire of our Apex Leader, Alhaji Muhammed Adelaja Saibu (Baba Ile-gbo).
“During Baba Ile-Ogbo’s lifetime, he was a lead promoter of peace and unity and role model to many; at this mourning period, our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family, friends and political associates.
“He was an accomplished statesman, an outstanding politician and a progressive figure who loves his people and continue championing such course till he breath his last.
“He attained many good things in life; he worked hard and always followed the path of honesty. You sleep well, Sir!
“May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, Aameen.”
DON’T MISS: BIOGRAPHY OF BABA ILE-OGBO: Alhaji Chief Saibu Adelaja Mohammed
About Baba Ile-Ogbo
Saibu Adelaja Mohammed hailed from Odogbolu, in Ogun State.
He was born on March 13, 1937, and became an orphan before the age of 10.
He completed primary and secondary school education and went on to train as a draftsman who became a cornerstone under his master in the 60s.
He got married and settled in Lagos State where he later made entry into politics in the late 80s.
Saibu was a charismatic political juggernaut, endowed with the art of eloquence, wisdom, and diplomacy, who lived for the progress of his community and protégés.
Tributes
“He fought a good fight. He dedicated his life for social services. He was principled and humane. He was full of wisdom. I will forever cherish the memories we shared together as a kid… Baba mi came, saw and conquered.” —Tayo Adelaja
“Baba taught me everything I know and loved me unconditionally. My father had many friends whom he considered family. I cherish the memories of this wonderful man…” —Muritala Adelaja
“I am proud of baba for his impact in the lives of those who met him or passed through him.” —Mikhail Adelaja
“Baba Ile Ogbo was a wonderful father that people found their fulfilment in his vision. Big thanks to him for adding meaning to the lives around him. I am forever grateful and proud of him being my father. You will forever be in my heart daddy.” —Moridiyah Adelaja
“Baba was different person to different people. Husband, father, grand father, great grand father, benefactor, cheerleader, political leader, friend, mentor, rival, and enemy. He was a political generalissimo that commanded respect within the family and across the community. It is really sad that he is no more.” —Ridwan Adelaja
“In my father I found a man who didn’t just happen in life, he was my bosom friend, a father who gave me every sense of existence.” —Qayyum Adelaja
“My father is a true legend. We will all miss him. No one comes to stay forever. Baba Ile-Ogbo. Sun ree oo.” —Mutolib Adelaja
“My father was my biggest fan and my greatest role model. I could call him at any time and he always has a solution to my problem. Life is different without him but I am grateful I got to call him my dad. Sun re o, Baba.“ —Sunday Adelaja
“Baba trained his children and wives to rely solely on Almighty God, and not on him as their father or husband.” —Zulqarinain Adelaja
DON’T MISS: BIOGRAPHY OF BABA ILE-OGBO: Alhaji Chief Saibu Adelaja Mohammed
Baba Ile-Ogbo: The exit of a titan in politics
By: Hon. Akinwunmi Nurudeen Olaitan
Member, Federal House of Representatives, Ifako Ijaiye
His is an inexhaustible story
To which books can be devoted
The story of a brainy individual
Who bestrode Mother Earth as a collosus
Who ruled political landscape as a maestro
He was warm, friendly, and convivial
With more than a Knack for dates and events
Someone with no degree in history
Yet, had an awesome understanding and knowledge
Of historical perspectives and happenstance
Possessed a massive depository of information
Imbued with computer-like flash memory
From a large, well-developed, optimally-functional brain
Sitting and listening to him was always a sweet experience
You were regaled with stories and day-to-day experiences
Laced with accurate times and dates
From which you must draw sapient lessons
Never a dull, drab, or stultifying moment
And, was he politically savvy!
Unmistakably pedagogical. An ideologue!
Ambassador extraordinaire
His nostrils smelt from afar, scent of opportunities
His eyes scanned, from a distance, the approach of chances
And, was he deft at seizing them!
He built and nurtured a political group: Ifelodun Group of Nigeria
And virtually turned it into a veritable machine
Multitudes were his disciples
Rectitude then the creed
Through the group and in conjunction with others
He churned out, unceasing master strokes
Installing individuals into governments
And, governments into governance
His shoes were big
Who can wear them?
Adieu Alhaji Mohammed Saibu Adelaja aka ‘Baba ile ogbo’
FOREVER MISSED: Alhaji Chief Saibu Adelaja Mohammed—Write a Tribute here.
EXTRA: THE END OF A LAGOS POLITICAL GLADIATOR: Alhaji Chief Adelaja Saibu Mohammed
EXTRA: THE END OF A LAGOS POLITICAL GLADIATOR: Alhaji Chief Adelaja Saibu Mohammed
