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Tag: Akran of Badagry

  • Life and times of De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I

    Life and times of De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I

    The late Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, was born on September 18, 1936. He was the fifth child of His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Ajiyon-Kanho, the 17th Akran of Badagry. He started his elementary education at Salvation Army Primary School, Lagos; Methodist School, Badagry; and Methodist Teachers’ College, Ifaki, Ekiti, between 1956 and 1957.

    Akran’s demise, as gathered, ended 48 years on the throne, becoming one of the longest-serving monarchs who have ruled any kingdom in the state.

    A royal figure of many parts, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I was initially a teacher and taught at various schools in Badagry Division, but later went into journalism.

    His career as a practising journalist began in 1961 at the West African Pilot, where he served as a diplomatic correspondent and chief reporter for the Post Group of Newspapers.

    Thereafter, he joined the Daily Sketch as a senior sub-editor and later transferred to The New Nigeria newspapers as a senior journalist, becoming the Acting News Editor (South).

    As a senior journalist, his outstanding performance earned him a grant from the International Press Institute (IPI) to study at the University of East Africa, where he obtained a diploma with distinction. He also shared a prize on the Law of the Press with another journalist from Uganda. His Majesty  continued to support the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria and across Africa.

    His appointment as the Akran of Badagry was duly approved by the Executive Council of the Lagos State Government on October 7, 1976.

    He ascended the throne of his forebearers during the coronation held on April 23, 1977, where he was crowned and assumed the royal title of De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, in accordance with tradition.

    He was the paramount ruler of the Ogu race in Nigeria and the Chairman of the Badagry Divisional Chieftaincy Committees, which oversees over 100 recognised chieftaincies made up of several Obas, Chiefs, and quarter heads (Baales). These chieftaincies are spread across four local government areas namely Badagry, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, and Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

    A frontline monarch and paramount ruler, he served as a member of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission from 1979 to 1983, and as Grand Patron, Patron, and President of various social, charitable, and professional organisations.

    De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I until his death was the Chairman of the Chieftaincy Committee in Badagry Local Government and the Permanent Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. In October 1990, he was elected by members of the Council to represent it at the enlarged National Council of States in Abuja.

    He was honoured with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) on March 7, 1981.

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    According to Babatunde Ajose, an historian,  the late monarch was friendly and hospitable—a great lover of his people—who has brought joy, peace, and happiness to them by encouraging community participation in rural development programmes throughout the Badagry area. He is a staunch advocate for Integrated Rural Development.

    He described the late Akran as a keen sports lover who believes in the development of sports as a means of achieving a healthy body, mind, unity, and understanding, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I (OFR) donated a large trophy for competition among journalists in the state.

    On April 7, 1990, during his installation as the Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D – Honoris Causa). He is currently the Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.

    He embarked on a pilgrimage to designated holy places in Italy, France, Egypt, and Jerusalem. During the pilgrimage, he was received in audience by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, at the Vatican in Rome. Having fulfilled Biblical injunctions, he ascended Jerusalem, the Holy City and capital of Israel, and was thereafter authorized to bear the title Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP).

    The palace (Honme) of Akran continues to be a haven for believers and visitors from far and near. Among the distinguished visitors to the palace were Mrs. Rosalyne Carter and her daughter Amy, wife and daughter of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, The Rt. Rev. Robert Runcie, who christened Badagry as the Canterbury of Nigeria.

  • Curfew, restriction as Badagry mourns Akran

    Curfew, restriction as Badagry mourns Akran

    Badagry, a historic coastal town renowned for its rich cultural heritage, was on Monday enveloped in a sombre and brooding mood following the passage of its 89-year-old monarch, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry.

    The revered monarch, who reigned for 48 years, was a towering figure in the history and development of the ancient coastal town.

    He was a former journalist before ascending the throne of his forefathers on April 23, 1977. 

    His long reign was marked by peace, unity and steady community development across Badagry and its environs.

    As Permanent Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, his counsel and leadership carried significant influence within traditional institutions across the state.

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    He was widely respected as a devoted custodian of Ogu culture and tradition, as well as a passionate advocate for the welfare of his people.

    From the early hours of the day, an unusual calm settled over the ancient kingdom as residents struggled to come to terms with the loss of their traditional ruler.

    Markets that normally buzz with activity witnessed low patronage, while groups of residents gathered sparsely in streets and compounds, exchanging restrained conversations.

    At the Akran’s palace, it was learnt that the atmosphere was pensive as chiefs and community leaders’ showed grief.

    There were restrictions on vehicular movements around the palace vicinity with some sections of the road leading to the place barricaded. Commuters were said to be directed to take alternative routes.

    Sources said the traditional worshippers may have started observing rites necessitated by the demise of the monarch. Security and palace officials were seen restricting movement in the immediate vicinity.

    Residents said the rites would affect social and commercial activities around the palace and may force many residents especially those working outside Badagry to return home early.

    Many residents described the late Akran as a symbol of unity, stability and cultural pride for Badagry. They recalled his role in preserving the town’s customs and mediating communal disputes, while youths spoke of a monarch who encouraged peace and respect for tradition amid modern challenges.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some sons and daughters of the late king were at the palace, with some seen openly weeping.

    A traditional chief, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Akran passed on at about 1:30 a.m., but confirmation of his death was made at about 5:30 a.m.

    “The Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, has been informed, and we hope he will relay the information to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for an official announcement.

    “That is why many of us are seated here at the palace to receive visitors. The Akran has gone to rest with his great ancestors,” he said.

  • Group laments Badagry prince’s alleged forceful takeover of property

    Group laments Badagry prince’s alleged forceful takeover of property

    The Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, has been asked to confirm the identity of a man accused of taking over a private home that belonged to a retired Naval officer who lived abroad until she recently passed away.

    The man, Mr. Solomon Ayodele Akran, who claims to be the son of the Akran of Badagry, is accused of illegally taking over the property in Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos State.

    Retired Naval Commander J.R.T. Williams, the property owner, lived abroad for many years. As she grew older, her daughter managed the property and handled repairs and remodelling.

    In a petition to the monarch, the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), a coalition of 130 civil society and community groups, accused the self-proclaimed prince of illegal occupation and making threats.

    The petition, signed by NHRC’s Director of Publicity, Mr. Kunle Ajayi, asked the monarch to step in to prevent disorder and to confirm if Mr. Ayodele is truly his son.

    The petition claims that Mr. Akran worked with a carpenter who had access to the property at No. 3, Godo Estate, Ibereko. Using the carpenter’s keys, he reportedly moved in April, this year without permission from the landlord or the property’s lawyer.

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    The NHRC said the carpenter, Mr. Lanre Lumpkin, was given the keys only to do repairs. However, Mr. Ayodele allegedly convinced him to allow access, claiming he had “settled” the carpenter before moving in.

    The group added that while the house was being remodelled, the carpenter sometimes told the owners that people were asking if the property was for rent, but the family always said it was not.

    The NHRC said Commander Williams died in April, this year. In July, her daughter visited the property without notice and found that Mr. Ayodele had moved in illegally.

    “When confronted over his illegal occupation, he apologised and admitted that he made an error by moving into the property without the landlord’s consent,” the petition stated. “He further admitted that he had no agreement with the carpenter, claiming he merely paid some money equivalent to one year’s rent but was neither issued a receipt nor given a tenancy agreement.”

    The group said Mr. Ayodele later asked to stay in the house until the end of August and promised to leave after that.

    “As of the time of writing this report, he has occupied the property for close to nine months. However, immediately after the landlord left Nigeria, Mr. Ayodele reportedly reneged on his promise and began threatening emissaries sent to him, invoking voodoo practices and claiming to be the leader of the Ogboni society in Lagos State,” the NHRC said.

    The group also alleged that Mr. Ayodele claimed his position would let him harm the property owners and take over the house.

    “He also stated that if he were to leave at all, it would be at his own time, insisting that nothing could be done to him. He has repeatedly threatened those seeking to recover the property, while also asserting that, as a prince of Badagry, he possesses the power to act without consequences,” the NHRC said.

    The NHRC stressed that illegally occupying property breaks the tenancy laws of Lagos State and Nigerian law. They also said that making threats to life and property is a crime.

    The group urged the Oba to act to stop what they called an abuse of royal identity and a disrespect to the royal position if the alleged occupier is truly the monarch’s son.

  • Obas to meet Ambode over Lagos-Badagry Expressway

    The Akran of Badagry, De Aholu Menu-Toyi I, on Tuesday said the Lagos Council of Obas would soon meet Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode over the deplorable state of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    Menu-Toyi I  told the News Agency of Nigeria in Badagry that the deplorable state of the road had retarded the growth of the ancient city and movement of people.

    The monarch said that the council had decided to pay a visit to the governor in order to hasten work on the ongoing road construction between Mile 2 and Okokomaiko.

    “I am not happy with the state of the road. Lagos-Badagry Expressway is an international road, which is supposed to be the responsibility of Federal Government, but it has been abandoned.

    “The road is deterring investors from coming to the town, while tourists are no longer visiting Badagry.

    “Sons and daughters of the land now prefer to enjoy their holidays in Lagos instead of coming home.

    “Motorists and passengers spend up to five hours in the gridlock before getting to the city, a journey that is supposed to take an hour.

    “The road has now become a deathtrap to my citizens, this is sad,” the monarch said.

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    Also, Mr Oloyede Edun, the Vice-Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said that many lives had been lost to accidents due to deplorable condition of the road.

    Meanwhile, Babatunde Hunpe, the Special Adviser to Ambode on Environment, told NAN that the state government was awaiting Federal Government’s approval to reconstruct Okokomaiko/Seme Border Section of the expressway.

    Hunpe said that work on the road would start immediately the state government secured the approval.

  • Monarch marks 40 years on throne, lays foundation of Badagry’s first e-Library

    Monarch marks 40 years on throne, lays foundation of Badagry’s first e-Library

    The Akran of Badagry, De Aholu Menu-Toyi I, on Wednesday laid the foundation of the first e-Library in his domain at the Badagry Grammar School, Badagry, Lagos State.

    The foundation laying was part of the activities commemorating the 40th coronation anniversary of the Akran, a former journalist who ascended the throne in 1977.
    He said that the completion of the e-Library would help to improve the education of students and youths in the area.
    “This would be the first e-Library in Badagry and I’m glad that we are laying the foundation for it because we are determined to improve the quality of education for our youths.
    “The library will assist our students in their research work and also help in broadening their knowledge, which will, in turn, improve their intellect.
    “I’m excited to key into this project because it is for my people and will help in developing their future,” he said.
    The monarch expressed gratitude to the residents of Badagry for their continuous support to him.
    “I have been on the throne for 40 years and I couldn’t have done that without the support of my people.
    “It is a thing of joy celebrating this milestone and I hope to keep on finding new ways to improve the lives of my people,” he said.
    The royal father appealed to Nigerians to keep supporting the policies of the Federal Government.
    Mr Aporo Mautin, Principal of Badagry Grammar School, applauded the initiative, saying it would go a long way in improving the education of the students.
    “The e-library will help in expanding the research of the students, help in enhancing their thinking and boost their performance,” he said.
    A road, formerly known as Market Road was renamed Aholu Menu-Toyi 1 Road in honour of the Akran.
  • I’m hale and hearty, says Akran of Badagry

    I’m hale and hearty, says Akran of Badagry

    The Akran of Badagry in Lagos State, Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, has dispelled speculations making the rounds that he had passed on.

    “I wonder why people keep on saying I’m dead when I’m hale and hearty.

    “I am not dead as being widely speculated on the facebook,’’ the traditional ruler told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry on Friday.

    NAN reports that a similar rumour of Akran’s death was reported in July 2013.

    He added:“The social media is supposed to be used to spread genuine stories. So, I wonder why someone would go about spreading false information that I am dead.

    “As you can see, I’m very much alive, enjoying a remarkable healthy lifestyle and attending to day-to-day royal engagements within the kingdom, the state and the nation.

    “I am sure that I still have a long time to live on earth. So, I’m going to be here for a long time and nothing is going to hold me back.’’

    The monarch said the boy, who allegedly initiated the rumour, had been “summoned’’ to the palace with his parents.

    Akran also said the matter had been reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

    “We have called the boy and his parents to explain why he decided to carry such a mischievous and misleading rumour.

    “We have also reported the case to the police and other security agencies so that it can be investigated.’’

    The traditional ruler expressed concern that the internet was being used as a medium for spreading false information.

    He advised members of the public to be wary of some information emanating from the internet, saying criminals use the medium to manipulate people and carry out nefarious activities.

    The Akran also urged the people of Badagry to pray for the ancient town and to be law-abiding always.

  • Jonathan meets Akran of Badagry

    Jonathan meets Akran of Badagry

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday paid a private visit to the Akran of Badagry, De-Wheno Aholu Menutoyi.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the President arrived at the palace of the monarch in Badagry, Lagos, at about 10.35am and was received by the Akran and the Chiefs in Council.

    Welcoming the President to the palace, the Chiefs in Council performed traditional rites, using water, alligator pepper and wine.

    They also offered prayers for the President, his administration and for the peace of the nation.

    After the ceremony, the Akran and the President retired to an inner room in the palace, where they held private discussions for about 35 minutes.

    After the closed door meeting, the Akran said the visit, though private, was special to him and the entire Badagry people.

    He told the President that Badagry was the first place in the country where Christianity was preached.

    The monarch requested the Federal and Lagos State Governments to work together and make the town a religious tourist centre.

    He assured the President of his support and the Badagry people to the Federal Government.

    The President thanked the monarch and the people for the peace in the land, which he said was brought about by good leadership.

    He also assured that the government would do its best to return and preserve the glorious day of Badagry.

    “I want to thank you all for the support you have given to the government and for the peace in Badagry.

    “We do not get disturbing stories from Badagry and this is not brought about by chance but his Majesty, his cabinet and all senior Badagry people.

    “Also, for the PDP members who have come out to receive us, we thank you most sincerely. I want to thank you for this warm reception and assure you that the glorious days of Badagry will be returned.’’

    It would be recalled that the President had on Friday paid similar visits to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.