Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the passing of the revered monarch and a leading voice within the State Council of Obas and Chiefs, the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Akran, De Wheno Menu-Toyi, who died at age 89.
The traditional ruler reportedly reigned for over 48 years on the throne of the ancient town, before giving up the ghost on Monday after a brief illness
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, governor Sanwo-Olu described the departure of Oba Akran as a great loss not only to the people of Badagry but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large.
The governor said the king, known for his wisdom, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Badagry’s development, rendered selfless service to the people and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition, uplifting and modern development.
He said, “On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the deceased’s 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 death of Oba Akran is a great loss to the people of the ancient town of Badagry, and he will be greatly missed. He was a respected journalist. As a traditional ruler, he made positive impacts during his lifetime and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of his community, Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Oba Akran, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of the Badagry Kingdom will continue to cherish. He served as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs, and cultural heritage for nearly 49 years. He was a stabilising force known for uniting diverse interests within his kingdom and promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals nationally and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.
“He also used his position to attract growth and development to the ancient town. I urge his family, friends, subjects and associates, as well as the entire people of Badagry, whose interests the departed traditional ruler represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime, to work towards immortalising him. I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of the Badagry kingdom and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Until his demise, Menu-Toyi, who ascended the throne of his forefathers on April 23, 1977, was the Permanent Vice-Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
