𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐨-𝐎𝐥𝐮 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐲

By Peter Dansu  Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Akran of Badagry, Oba Aholu Menu-Toy...

By Peter Dansu 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Akran of Badagry, Oba Aholu Menu-Toyi Babatunde, describing the late monarch’s passing as a painful loss to Badagry, Lagos State and the nation at large.

The revered traditional ruler, a leading voice within the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, died on Monday after a brief illness. He reigned on the throne of the ancient Badagry Kingdom for nearly 49 years.

In a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile according to Punch Newspaper, the governor said the transition of the Akran marked the end of an era defined by wisdom, cultural preservation and unwavering commitment to the development of Badagry.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the late Oba was not only a custodian of tradition but also a bridge between heritage and modern development, adding that his influence extended beyond Badagry to Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

According to the governor, the monarch rendered selfless service to his people and left behind a legacy of unity, peace and progress. He described Oba Menu-Toyi as a stabilising force who brought together diverse interests within the kingdom and consistently promoted Badagry’s rich historical sites and cultural festivals, both nationally and internationally, thereby boosting tourism and cultural exchange.

“On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos State, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the royal family, friends, associates and traditional institutions on the transition of the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I,” the governor said.

He added that the late monarch, who was also a respected journalist, made remarkable contributions to the growth and development of his community and used his position as a first-class traditional ruler to attract development to the ancient town.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the royal family, subjects and the entire people of Badagry to work towards immortalising the late Akran by upholding the values he stood for and sustaining his vision for unity and progress.

He prayed that God grants the royal family, the people of Badagry Kingdom and Lagos State the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Oba Aholu Menu-Toyi Babatunde ascended the throne of his forefathers on April 23, 1977, and until his death served as the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.