By Hunvio Elizabeth The ancient coastal city of Badagry has sunk deeper into solemn reflection as it entered another full day of its seve...
By Hunvio Elizabeth
The ancient coastal city of Badagry has sunk deeper into solemn reflection as it entered another full day of its seven day official mourning period for His Royal Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry. Wednesday January 14 2026 marked the second full day of what residents have come to call the Great Silence, a period defined by restrained movement muted sounds and deep communal reverence for a monarch who reigned for nearly five decades.
From the earliest hours of the day the spiritual weight of the moment was evident. Between 4am and 6am members of the Oga Lodo traditional council alongside custodians of the sacred Oro society carried out the first phase of traditional cleansing rites. These age old ceremonies conducted quietly and away from public view are believed to guide the spiritual transition of the departed monarch and cleanse the land in preparation for the days ahead.
Around the Akran’s Palace and the historic Vlekete axis movement remained tightly controlled with access limited to traditional titleholders and those directly involved in the rites.
Although no formal daytime curfew has been declared the town itself feels unusually restrained. The familiar rhythm of Badagry life has slowed almost to a halt as the local government directive on the mourning period is being widely respected. Loud music drumming and public celebrations have completely disappeared from the soundscape. Bars lounges and event centres along the Badagry Seme expressway have switched off their external speakers while many have chosen not to operate at all. Religious houses have also adjusted their activities with churches and mosques keeping services brief subdued and free of outdoor public address systems.
The impact is also being felt in the markets. At Agbalata Market the largest trading centre in the division business has thinned out noticeably. While traders dealing in essential food items opened in limited numbers many sections selling non essential goods remained closed by choice. Traders say the decision goes beyond compliance and reflects personal grief.
One textile dealer Madam Akua summed up the mood when she said they were not just traders but children of the Akran. According to her many chose to stay home out of respect for a ruler who led Badagry for 48 years adding that the town feels empty without his presence.
Meanwhile the Akran’s Palace has become a quiet destination for condolences from across the state and beyond. Following earlier messages from President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu preparations were underway for the arrival of a high powered delegation from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Security presence around the palace has been strengthened to manage the steady flow of visitors and to ensure that traditional rites continue without disruption.
The Chairman of Badagry Local Government Hon Babatunde Hunpe reiterated that the mourning period is a time for unity discipline and collective respect. He appealed to residents to continue cooperating with traditional authorities and local officials as the town prepares to bid farewell to its revered monarch.
As Badagry remains wrapped in silence the sense of shared loss is unmistakable. Streets are calmer voices are lower and daily routines are guided by tradition and memory. For many residents this Great Silence is not merely an order but a heartfelt farewell to a king whose reign shaped the identity and soul of the ancient town.
Photo Credit: City mood
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