People of Ojokoro in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council of Lagos State, at the weekend, mourned a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the community, Chief Muhammad Adelaja Saibu, popularly known as Baba Ile-Ogbo.

Saibu, 86, died on Wednesday, August 9, at Abule-Egba, after 40 years of playing key roles in the grassroots’ politics in Ifako-Ijaiye council.

He has since been buried in his hometown, Odogbolu in Ogun State, according to Islamic rites.

Speaking at the eight-day Fidau prayers organised by his immediate family and political associates, the member representing the Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Benjamin Olabinjo, condoled the family, saying Baba’s demise was a great loss.

He said the late Saibu, until his demise, hosted party meetings as the APC apex leader of the Ojokoro community.

“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,” he added.

In his condolence message, Executive Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, described the late octogenarian as a peace-promoting statesman.

He said: “During Baba Ile-Ogbo’s lifetime, he was a lead promoter of peace and unity and a 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 loved his people and continued championing such a cause till his last breath.”

Also, his daughter, lawyer and lecturer, Dr. Khadeejat Adelaja-Kolawole, described him as a “fundamentalist politician.”

She said: “Baba belonged to a rare class of political fundamentalists who always knew what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. I will miss my father greatly.”