By Peter Dansu Badagry Kingdom, one of the oldest coastal towns in Nigeria, has once again drawn attention to its deep royal heritage follo...
By Peter Dansu
Badagry Kingdom, one of the oldest coastal towns in Nigeria, has once again drawn attention to its deep royal heritage following the transition of its longest reigning monarch, De Wheno Aholu Akran Menu-Toyi I. With a history spanning more than 500 years, the monarchy of Badagry stands as a powerful symbol of continuity, ancestral authority and enduring land ownership.
From the earliest recorded era to modern times, Badagry has been ruled by kings bearing the sacred and revered title De Wheno Aholu Akran. This unbroken royal lineage reflects the resilience of the kingdom and its central role in the political, cultural and spiritual life of the people.
Historical records trace the origin of the throne to the early 1500s, beginning with De Wheno Aholu Akran Gbafoe, who reigned from 1500 to 1625, laying the foundation of royal authority in the kingdom. He was succeeded by De Wheno Aholu Akran Yeku from 1625 to 1677, and later by De Wheno Aholu Akran Pojegonwu, who ruled between 1677 and 1725. The throne continued under De Wheno Aholu Akran Jiwa I from 1731 to 1779, followed by De Wheno Aholu Akran Soba, whose reign lasted from 1784 to 1841.
The mid 19th century marked a defining chapter in Badagry’s history, particularly during the reign of De Wheno Aholu Akran Wrawuru in 1841. Though his reign was brief, it proved historically significant as he welcomed Methodist missionary activities into Badagry. This singular decision led to Christianity taking root in Nigeria, the first Christmas celebration under the historic Agia Tree and the eventual construction of the First Storey Building in Nigeria, now a major national monument.
Between 1841 and 1852, the throne passed through De Wheno Aholu Akran Yede, Zofun, Soton and Toyi, a period marked by rapid interaction with European traders and missionaries. This era also witnessed Badagry’s growing influence as a key coastal settlement.
The anti slavery and treaty period brought further historical milestones. De Wheno Aholu Akran Mewu, who reigned from 1851 to 1876, signed the treaty that abolished the trans Atlantic slave trade in Badagry, a bold step that reshaped the moral and economic direction of the kingdom. His successor, De Wheno Aholu Akran Poton, reigning from 1863 to 1874, signed the Treaty of Cession that formally linked Badagry to British colonial authority.
As colonial rule deepened, De Wheno Aholu Akran Meje, who ruled from 1889 to 1910, strengthened commercial life in Badagry by opening a new market that boosted trade and local enterprise. He was followed by De Wheno Aholu Akran Kopon from 1911 to 1941, and later De Wheno Aholu Akran Ajiyon-Kanho, who reigned between 1948 and 1954.
The modern era of the throne began with De Wheno Aholu Akran Jiwa II, also known as Oba C D Akran, who ruled from 1958 to 1974, steering the kingdom through a period of national change and political transition.
In 1977, De Wheno Aholu Akran Menu-Toyi I ascended the throne. Born on 18 September 1936, he was the fifth child of De Wheno Aholu Ajiyon-Kanho. Educated at Salvation Army Primary School in Lagos, Methodist School Badagry and the Methodist Teachers College in Ifaki Ekiti, his reign ushered in decades of peace, stability and traditional expansion across Badagry. He joined his ancestors on 12 January 2025, closing a remarkable chapter in the kingdom’s history.
Below is the complete list of all the Akrans of Badagry from the 1500s to date
Early and Pre Colonial Era
De Wheno Aholu Akran Gbafoe
Reigned 1500 to 1625De Wheno Aholu Akran Yeku
Reigned 1625 to 1677De Wheno Aholu Akran Pojegonwu
Reigned 1677 to 1725De Wheno Aholu Akran Jiwa I
Reigned 1731 to 1779De Wheno Aholu Akran Soba
Reigned 1784 to 1841
Missionary and Early Colonial Period
De Wheno Aholu Akran Wrawuru
Reigned 1841
Accepted Methodist missionary activities which led to Christianity taking root in Nigeria
Presided over the first Christmas celebration in Nigeria under the Agia Tree
Influenced the construction of the First Storey Building in NigeriaDe Wheno Aholu Akran Yede
Reigned 1841 to 1842De Wheno Aholu Akran Zofun
Reigned 1842 to 1847De Wheno Aholu Akran Soton
Reigned 1847 to 1849De Wheno Aholu Akran Toyi
Reigned 1849 to 1852
Anti Slavery and Treaty Era
De Wheno Aholu Akran Mewu
Reigned 1851 to 1876
Signed the treaty abolishing the trans Atlantic slave trade in BadagryDe Wheno Aholu Akran Poton
Reigned 1863 to 1874
Signed the Treaty of Cession linking Badagry to British colonial authority
Late Colonial to Modern Era
De Wheno Aholu Akran Meje
Reigned 1889 to 1910
Opened a new market that strengthened Badagry commercial lifeDe Wheno Aholu Akran Kopon
Reigned 1911 to 1941De Wheno Aholu Akran Ajiyon Kanho
Reigned 1948 to 1954De Wheno Aholu Akran Jiwa II Oba C D Akran
Reigned 1958 to 1974De Wheno Aholu Akran Menu-Toyi I
Crowned in 1977
Born 18 September 1936
Joined his ancestors on 12 January 2025
Fifth child of De Wheno Aholu Akran Ajiyon Kanho
His reign ushered in peace stability and traditional expansion across Badagry
As Badagry reflects on this long and distinguished royal lineage, the legacy of the Akrans stands as a testament to a kingdom that has remained steadfast through centuries of change while preserving its culture traditions and ancestral authority for generations yet unborn.
Culled from Badagry Forum
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