Why We All Respect Him – Ogunleye Speaks On Baba Bush Alebiosu Ahead Upcoming 90th Birthday 

As Lagos State prepares to celebrate the 90th birthday of Otunba Busura Alebiosu, fondly called Baba Bush, tributes have continued to pour in for a man widely regarded as a silent force in the state’s political architecture.

Among those who have shared insights into his life and influence is Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, a former deputy governor of Lagos State, ex-commissioner, and one-time state chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), who described  Baba Alebiosu as a “trusted leader, humble democrat, and master strategist” whose impact has shaped generations of political actors.

“I met him when I came back from Britain. He was also in Britain but returned before me. I met him with Alhaji Jakande. He was one of the closest confidants of Alhaji Jakande,” Ogunleye said, tracing a relationship that has spanned decades.

Reflecting on the senior citizen’s political journey, Ogunleye noted that Baba Bush served as a councillor in Somolu and later as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly between 1979 and 1983, before the military intervention led by Muhammadu Buhari truncated the Second Republic.

“Since then, he left the field for the younger ones, and that is the character in him that is commendable. He has remained in the background as an elder statesman,” the former deputy governor revealed.

According to Ogunleye,  Baba Alebiosu’s humility stands out as his defining trait, declaring “He does not flaunt his wealth or position. He is very humble. He is a democrat to the core. He is my leader in Lagos East Senatorial District.”

The ex-party chairman added that Baba Bush’s leadership style is rooted in consultation and consensus-building, further disclosing that “The good thing about him is that he consults before he takes decisions. That is why a lot of us relate with him closely, respect him.”

Ogunleye also shed light on the elder statesman s influence in shaping political outcomes in Lagos, including his role in supporting key figures.

 “He has been backing other people like Pepper-Bayo Osinowo. Although people think it was Alhaji Sumola, they did not know that he was the one who sponsored Alhaji Sumola,” the ex-commissioner gave insight.

He recalled that pa Alebiosu played a pivotal role in his emergence as AD chairman, “Although Asiwaju appointed me as the chairman of AD, he was part of the team that made the recommendation when the position was zoned to Lagos East Senatorial District. He was in charge.”

Describing him as “a man of many parts,” Ogunleye said Baba Bush’s closeness to President Bola Tinubu dates back to the days of the Justice Forum, the political pressure group that shaped the state’s political direction in the late 1990s.

“He was our leader in the Justice Forum Group. The current president became the governor of Lagos State through Justice Forum… He was one of the people that sponsored Asiwaju as governor, and he succeeded. Up till now, they are still close,” he gave more telling revelations.

Ogunleye further identified pa Alebiosu as the most senior member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the ruling party in Lagos State, noting that his influence remains significant.

“He has done a lot for the state. People all over the state come to him to seek advice and show respect. Apart from being our senatorial leader, he is also our state leader,” he declared.

Offering personal reflections, Ogunleye said his interactions with Baba Bush have been marked by harmony and mutual respect, explaining “I have never had a single argument with him since I came back in 1974—that is over 50 years. We sit down to talk about the senatorial district and the state.”

He described pa Alebiosu as “straightforward, unassuming, kind, and generous,” but also firm when necessary.

 “Although you may think he is simple, he is firm sometimes when it comes to taking decisions—very firm, without sentiment,” the successor to Femi Pedro as number two citizen of Lagos state further revealed.

Ogunleye also highlighted pa Alebiosu’s grassroots connection, noting his decision to remain in Kosofe despite his status, with the disclosure “He could have been living in Ikoyi or Lekki, but he chose to stay among the people. That is Awolowo and Jakande’s style. That is because he is a grassroots politician.”

On his longevity in politics, Ogunleye said pa Alebiosu’s experience commands respect across Lagos East and beyond. 

“When he returned from London, he was 31 years old, and since then he has been in politics. That is about 59 years. He is an old war horse in the system,” he enthused.

And, added that pa Alebiosu’s influence cuts across communities.

 “If you go to Epe, they speak well of him. If you go to Ibeju-Lekki, they speak well of him. The same thing applies in Ikorodu, Somolu, and Kosofe,” he asserted.

Speaking on his legacy, Ogunleye said one of the most enduring lessons from Alebiosu is his decision to step back from active office at a time many would cling to power.

“He left political office when the ovation was loudest. That is completely different from what we have today, where some people want to perpetuate themselves in office,” he stated, providing context with  “My advice to upcoming leaders is that they should think about when they are going to leave. They should do their best and leave when the ovation is loudest. That is the major thing he has done for us that I want the young ones to emulate.”

The APC chieftain noted that despite stepping back, Alebiosu continues to wield influence responsibly.

“He still has control, and the control is being used positively, not negatively. Anything that has to be done, he will call all of us together, we will sit down, take a decision, and leave. He does not dictate,” insisted.

Ogunleye also pointed to pa Alebiosu’s role in grassroots development, including his involvement in the creation of additional local governments in Lagos State, “Apart from Somolu, we now have Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, and Ikosi-Isheri under him.”

He further recalled that Baba Bush’s association with Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti during their time in London. 

“They were close. It must have been because Fela was fighting for justice for the people,” he disclosed.

As the nonagenarian milestone approaches, Ogunleye expressed confidence in Alebiosu’s enduring legacy, including the continuity represented by his family.

“He is going to leave behind children who are equally good… Dayo has served in the House of Representatives and is now in the State Executive Council. The people accept him as well,” Ogunlewe said with faith.

He also acknowledged the support system around the elder statesman, with “He has a very good wife, a fantastic wife. The wife is a big asset. She is quiet and in the background.”

The 90th birthday celebration comes up on April 24, 2026.