The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has clarified the reason behind the delayed public announcement of the passing of the Akran of Badagry, His Royal Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
Speaking during a press interview at the Akran Palace, Hunpe explained that the council first sought and secured authorisation from the Lagos State Governor before making the monarch’s demise public.
The late Akran, the 18th ruler of Badagry Kingdom, joined his ancestors on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the age of 89.
He reigned for 49 years and was widely celebrated as a unifying figure whose leadership brought stability and moral guidance to the ancient coastal kingdom. His death has thrown the community into mourning, with residents, traditional institutions and political leaders expressing deep grief.
Hunpe added that the governor’s approval was eventually granted, allowing for the formal announcement and commencement of traditional mourning rites, while burial arrangements are being awaited from the royal family.
“When we got the news, we had to inform the governor and seek his approval before any public announcement. The approval was graciously given and we officially announced the display. We are now awaiting burial arrangements from the family before placing that in the public domain,” Hunpe said.
He described the late Akran as a symbol of peace and stability and a father to all, a custodian of tradition and a bridge between generations, noting that peace reigned in Badagry throughout his over four decades on the throne.
“To the glory of God, Baba lived a good life. For more than 40 years on the throne, peace reigned in Badagry. That is the foundation he laid and the legacy we must all sustain,” Hunpe added.
In recognition of the monarch’s legacy, the local government declared seven days of mourning across Badagry, urging residents to reflect on the values of unity, tolerance, discipline and service to humanity that defined the Akran’s reign.
Hunpe said the presence of prominent sons of the soil, including former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd), at the palace shortly after the monarch’s passing was a testament to the goodwill and respect he commanded while alive.
He urged residents to maintain the peace established by the late monarch, especially during the seven-day mourning period, stressing that peace remained the bedrock of development.
The council chairman described the monarch’s passing as a major loss not only to Badagry but to Lagos State and Nigeria at large, noting that the Akran stood firmly for dialogue, cultural preservation and community progress.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers from across Badagry Division and neighbouring communities have continued to visit the Akran Palace to condole with the royal family.
On Tuesday, the Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Oba (Dr.) Momodu Afolabi Asafa (MFR), sent a delegation bearing his staff of office to the palace as a mark of respect and condolence.
Speaking on the life and reign of the late Akran, Oba Asafa described his transition as a painful loss to the entire Badagry Division, saying the monarch was a strong, fearless and dependable voice for the division at the state level.
According to him, the Akran consistently stood up for the collective interest of Badagry Division and played key roles in resolving challenges confronting the area.
He recalled several occasions when both monarchs worked closely to advance development in the division, including joint interventions when there were moves to relocate Lagos State University (LASU) from Ojo, outside Badagry Division.
Oba Asafa said similar engagements also helped in securing the siting of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) at Oto, noting that the late Akran was deeply committed to projects that would deliver long-term benefits to the people.
The Onijanikin, who has reigned for close to 53 years and is the oldest reigning monarch in Lagos State, said it was particularly painful that the Akran, who spent 49 years on the throne, joined his ancestors as a fellow long-serving monarch from the same division.
“You will not see Baba again, but you will see yourselves,” Oba Asafa said, urging the children of the late monarch to remain united and calling on the entire Badagry community to embrace love, togetherness and mutual respect.
He concluded by offering prayers for the royal family and appealed for peace, unity and continued progress across Badagry Kingdom and the entire Badagry Division.
Similarly, the Oloto of Oto Awori, Oba (Dr.) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju Ilemobade Kuyamiku, also sent emissaries to the Akran Palace on Tuesday to sympathise with the royal family and the people of Badagry.
As condolence visits continue, former Chief of Air Staff and eminent son of Badagry, Air Marshal Nunayon Amosu (rtd), paid a condolence visit to the Akran Palace to commiserate with the royal family.
Amosu described the late monarch as a man of peace, wisdom and uncommon humility, whose reign was marked by harmony, inclusiveness and service to humanity.
According to him, the Akran’s consistent promotion of peaceful coexistence helped position Badagry as one of the most hospitable and stable communities in Lagos State and Nigeria.
Receiving the delegation, Hunpe thanked the former Air Force chief for standing with the royal family and the people of Badagry at the solemn moment, and reaffirming the council’s resolve to uphold the Akran’s enduring legacy of peace and communal progress.
Traditional rites are currently ongoing within the inner circles of the kingdom. While no official curfew has been declared, symbolic market closures, adjusted trading hours and restricted movements are expected during sacred processions approved by the Badagry Traditional Council. Public buildings across the division are flying flags at half-mast.
As condolence visits continue, residents and traditional institutions are reflecting on the enduring legacy of the late Akran of Badagry as a monarch whose reign was defined by peace, unity and service.