The Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Oba Wheno Menu-Toyi, has passed away at the age of 89 following a brief illness. The revered monarch, who had ruled Badagry for nearly 49 years, was also a leading member of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In a statement, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described Oba Menu-Toyi’s death as a profound loss, not only for Badagry but for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
“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,” the governor said.
He added, “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.
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“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.”
Oba Menu-Toyi ascended the throne of his forefathers on April 23, 1977, and until his passing, served as the Permanent Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, leaving behind a legacy of cultural preservation, unity, and development for the Badagry Kingdom.