By Uche Onyeali
Revered Lagos monarch, Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Menu-Toyi, has died at the age of 89.
The Akran, who ruled for 48 years, after ascending the throne in April 1977, was a leading voice within the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
He was said to have passed on yesterday after a brief illness.
Mourning the demise of the monarch, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the departure of the Akran as a great loss not only to the people of Badagry, but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large, because of his remarkable impact as a respected monarch.
He said the revered king was a traditional ruler known for his wisdom, cultural preservation and advocacy for Badagry’s development, adding that he rendered selfless service to the people and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition, uplifting and modern development.
“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 institution 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 impact 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 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 Badagry Kingdom and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Until his demise, Menu-Toyi was the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
