In Ojokoro, Abule-Egba, a suburb in the Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State, the alias “Baba Ileogbo” resonates with anyone conversant with the political landscape.
For about 30 years, he played a major role in shaping the politics of the community until his death in August 2023, when he died (aged 87) in his Abule-Egba residence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) apex leader in Ojokoro LCDA.
Who was Baba Ileogbo?
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.
Founding of Ifelodun Konibaje Club
He founded the Ifelodun Club to foster a sense of community amongst like-minded individuals who share common political interests and goals.
From an insignificant number, Saibu grew the network to become a club that provided a platform for open and informed discussions as well as amplified its members’ voices when advocating for issues that can potentially influence local or broader political decisions.
As a mentor and political father, he produced and influenced highly profiled politicians within the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area including Late Hon. Adeola Adefolabi, Hon. Nurudeen Akinwunmi, Hon. Ipoola Omisore, Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo, Hon. Rasheed Makinde, Hon. Owolabi Adisa, Hon. Emmanuel Olootu, Hon. Temitope Adewale, Hon. HID Tijani, amongst others.
His wide influence and political sagacity within his community earned him the sobriquet—Baba Ileogbo after his Lagos residence street in Abule Egba. He was the APC Ojokoro Ifako-Ijaiye Apex Leader till his demise.
Till the day of his death, his Lagos residence was a public town hall for politicians, deliberations, and camp mobilization. For over 30 years as a political generalisimo in Ifako-Ijaiye, his residence played host to top political titans such as commissioners, senators, governors, and ministers including Dr Abdullateef Abdulhakeem, Musiliu Obanikoro, Ogbeni Rafiu Aregbesola, Late Funsho Williams, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incumbent President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In recognition of his contribution to local politics and community development, he was in turn hosted by his admirers including the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who hosted in Aso Rock in 2006 during his tenure as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Patriarch of the Adelaja Dynasty
Chief Saibu Adelaja was a Pan-Africanist who raised a large family with more than 30 children from multiple wives.
He ran his life race from March 13, 1937 to August 9, 2023.
He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings.
Early Life
Saibu was the 13th child and first son of his father after 12 all-female children.
His father was a merchant and Islamic scholar who travelled through North Africa (Chad), Central Africa (Cameroon), and West Africa (Niger) to seek knowledge —and became one of the pioneers of Islam in Ijebuland, particularly Odogbolu.
Coincidentally, this 13th child was born on the 13th of March in the year of his birth.
His lineage can be traced thus: Saibu son of Momodu (Mohammed) who in turn was the son of Fatúngàsé, the son of Kadiri, the son of Bàwálá, the son of Nóréén —a descendant of Ijesha Ijebu.
Baba Ileogbo, as he was fondly called, can be best remembered as an Ijebu-born political luminary who raised new generations of Ojokoro, Ifako-Ijaiye leaders while building a name (Baba Ileogbo) around his community in Lagos Nigeria.
