THE END OF A LAGOS POLITICAL GLADIATOR
-Alhaji Chief Adelaja Saibu Mohammed (aka Baba Ile-Ogbo)
-APC Apex Leader, Ojokoro Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, Nigeria
-WEEKS AGO
A few weeks ago, a Facebook friend reached out to seek my advice and recommendations on how to honour his late mother. I extended my sympathies and offered my counsel via WhatsApp voice notes.
Unbeknownst to me, he was preparing me for this moment.
-YESTERDAY
Since Baba took his last breath in the arms of his children, events have moved quite fast. This minute, you’re here. The next minute, you’re somewhere else. Side chats here, requests there. By and large, the reality is that baba has left his home —wives, over 30 children, siblings, friends and political associates.
In accordance with Islamic traditions, we laid Baba Ijebu to rest in his hometown, Odogbolu. What is certain is that Allah knows best the relationship between Him and His slave (Adelaja Saibu Muhammad).
-HIS PAST
Endowed with the art of eloquence, wisdom and diplomacy, baba lived for his community. We all admire his leadership disposition, and marvel at how he built the community around him to be called Baba Ile-Ogbo. It’s a big shoe for anyone to dare, especially in the contemporary political landscape.
-THE SITUATION
It’s mixed feelings for many, and it’s quite understandable as baba was different person to different people. Husband, father, grand father, great grand father, benefactor, cheerleader, political leader, friend, mentor, rival, and enemy.
SEE ALSO: Baba Ile-Ogbo has died
-HIS PHILOSOPHY
Like Baba have always believed: there is dignity in labour, and every human will attain success (doctored or undoctored) according to pre-destination. Baba was an orphan before the age of 10, and had to live all by his wit to attain the respected position from which he eventually retired.
-MY SERMON
His departure is yet another sermon for us all. We will leave someday. Whoever has been living a distracted life can retract and begin to seek the face of the Almighty.
-WHAT I WILL MISS
I will miss the chief historian of the family. Baba has every detail of every dates with precision. In his active days before his terminal sickness, baba will take his time to furnish you with political highlights from the past. And, his many collaborations, interactions, and permutations with many big wigs politicians, including the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
SEE ALSO: Baba Ile-Ogbo has died
-WHAT IS LEFT?
Thank you all for your messages, calls, missed-calls, and prayers. Someone reminded me that it’s few days to my birthday. These ephemeral things don’t count in the Kingdom of God.
-EYIN OMO BABA
APC Ojokoro, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos. Your Apex leader is no more. I hope you will continue to unite and support the next Apex leader to steer the ship of our community. The only honour you can give this man is to ensure the community continues to grow and flourish in his absence.
-MOVING FORWARD
Quite painful. But, Alhamdulillah. Such is how destiny plays out. As people of faith, we accept the bad side as we accept the good side. Baba left at 86. Some said 87. Again, this thing doesn’t count.
One God.
One Love.
One Life.
Ridwan Adelaja
11-08-2023
FOREVER MISSED: Alhaji Chief Saibu Adelaja Mohammed—Write a Tribute here.
