𝐀𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

By Peter Dansu  Badagry Kingdom has been formally placed in a period of official mourning following the announcement of the passing of the A...

By Peter Dansu 

Badagry Kingdom has been formally placed in a period of official mourning following the announcement of the passing of the Akran of Badagry, His Royal Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, by the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Honorable Babatunde Hunpe.

In a statement issued from the Office of the Executive Chairman on Tuesday, Hon Hunpe confirmed that the revered monarch passed peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, bringing to an end a long, illustrious and impactful reign marked by peace, unity and unwavering dedication to the preservation of Badagry’s rich cultural heritage. The announcement was made with the approval of the Lagos State Governor.

The official confirmation followed widespread unofficial reports of the monarch’s transition which began circulating the previous day and had already drawn an outpouring of condolences from across the country. Prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and several other national and state leaders, have expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

Describing the late Akran as far more than a traditional ruler, Hon Hunpe said he was a bridge between generations, a custodian of tradition and a father figure whose wisdom, humility and benevolence shaped lives across Badagry and beyond. He noted that the monarch’s reign stood as a symbol of dignity, moral authority and selfless service to the people.

In honour of the departed paramount ruler, the Badagry Local Government Chairman declared seven days of mourning across the local government area. During this period, residents are enjoined to reflect on the monarch’s selfless leadership, timeless values and lifelong devotion to the unity and progress of Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

Hon Hunpe extended heartfelt condolences to the Akran in Council, the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Badagry and Lagos State, the royal family and the entire people of Badagry, urging them to take solace in the enduring legacy left behind by the departed king.

As Badagry bows in grief, tributes continue to pour in for a monarch widely regarded as a stabilising force, a cultural icon and a symbol of continuity whose influence will remain etched in the history of the ancient town.