𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗴𝗿𝘆 — 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗴𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗚 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻

By Peter Dansu  Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran popularly known as Jan...

By Peter Dansu 

Former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran popularly known as Jandor has described the late Akran of Badagry Kingdom De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I as an indispensable figure in the history of Lagos State saying his legacy will remain timeless.

Jandor stated this on Saturday during a condolence visit to the palace of the late monarch in Badagry where he paid tribute to the revered traditional ruler who passed on January 12 at the age of 89.

Speaking at the palace the Lagos4Lagos Movement convener described the late Akran who was also the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs as a symbol of peace unity and development not only in Badagry Division but across Lagos State.

According to him the passing of the monarch should be seen as the celebration of a fulfilled life devoted to humanity service and the preservation of culture.

He said he was at the palace to commiserate with the royal family and the people of Badagry noting that as a son of the soil the loss was deeply personal.

Jandor stressed that the history of Lagos State cannot be written without prominent reference to De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I whom he said recorded several firsts and stood firmly for peace stability and development.

He described the late monarch as more than a king saying he was a father to all and a unifying figure whose reign promoted harmony within Badagry and beyond.

The former governorship candidate recalled the royal blessings he received from the late Akran during the build-up to the 2023 governorship election noting that such moments and the monarch’s influence would remain unforgettable.

Jandor also commended the federal and Lagos State governments for interventions in Badagry but called for more deliberate efforts to reposition the ancient town as Nigeria’s tourism hub.

He specifically applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving the construction of a modern palace for the Akran of Badagry as well as road projects during his condolence visit describing the initiatives as capable of transforming Badagry into a major destination of cultural and economic significance.

Responding on behalf of the palace Chief Antony Tose appreciated Jandor and his entourage for the visit noting that the late Akran made remarkable contributions to Badagry Division and Lagos State at large.

Tose also expressed support for Jandor’s governorship ambition saying the time had come for Badagry to produce a governor of Lagos State.

Similarly Prince Adetunji Akran the Olori-Ebi of the Akran family thanked Jandor for identifying with the family and the kingdom at a time of mourning.

As part of the visit Jandor also paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Hon Babatunde Hunpe.

Hunpe later described the visit as a reflection of deep respect for Badagry’s traditional institution and the shared responsibility of political leaders to stand with the people and the throne during moments of loss.