BADAGRY – The ancient coastal city of Badagry is in deep mourning following the passing of its paramount ruler, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry. The revered monarch, who was a pillar of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, transitioned at the age of 90.
His passage marks the conclusion of a remarkable era spanning nearly five decades. Born in 1936, the Akran was a seasoned journalist before ascending the throne of his ancestors on April 23, 1977.
A Legacy of Peace and Ink
The Akran was widely celebrated not just as a traditional authority, but as an intellectual who bridged the gap between modern media and ancient tradition. Under his 48-year reign, Badagry saw a period of sustained peace and community-led development.
> “His Majesty was more than a king; he was the heartbeat of the Ogu people,” stated a prominent community leader. “He carried the dignity of our ancestors into the modern age, ensuring that Badagry remained a symbol of unity and culture in Nigeria.”
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A “Towering Voice” in Lagos State
Beyond the palace walls, the Akran was a respected figure across the nation. His colleagues in the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs often looked to him for wisdom and guidance.
“We have lost a library of history and a fountain of wisdom,” a palace source remarked. “He didn’t just rule with authority; he ruled with his heart. His footprints on the sands of time are too deep to be washed away.”
As news of his passing spreads, tributes continue to pour in for the man who spent half a century as the custodian of Badagry’s rich heritage. The kingdom now enters a period of traditional rites to honor a royal father whose influence reached far beyond the Atlantic shores of his domain.
