- A traditional ruler who transformed his kingdom into global tourism centre
He reigned for nearly 49 years following his coronation in April 1977. He was the 17th Akran of Badagry, a first-class traditional ruler who served as the Permanent Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The passing of Oba Babatunde Akran (De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I), the Oba of Badagry, on January 12, at the age of 89, was a significant cultural loss.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a posthumous tribute, described him as “a stabilising force known for uniting diverse interests within his kingdom,” adding that he “promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals nationally and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.” The governor noted that “He also used his position to attract growth and development to the ancient town.”
Oba Akran’s efforts were driven by a clear, long-term vision. In an interview marking his 80th birthday, he shared his aspiration for Badagry, stating he desired a transformation that would make it “a big town” and “open it up to the world.”
Notably, during his reign, the Federal Executive Council in 2022 approved the Badagry Deep Seaport project, a major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Nigeria, aiming to make the country a West African maritime hub with a $2.59 billion port and Free Trade Zone (FTZ). It is designed to create jobs, attract investment, and boost the economy through container handling, oil/gas services, and industrial zones.
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Also, under his traditional leadership, Badagry evolved into one of Nigeria’s premier cultural and tourist destinations. Badagry’s growth as a tourist attraction is largely tied to its historical significance. His leadership helped preserve and promote: The Black History Museum, housing artifacts from the transatlantic slave trade; The First Storey Building in Nigeria, built in 1845; The Point of No Return, the historic slave embarkation point on Gberefu Island; and The Agia Tree Monument, where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria.
His reign also saw the elevation of the Badagry Festival, which celebrates the Gbe and Ogu (Egun) heritage, drawing visitors from the global African diaspora.
Oba Akran was a strong advocate for the “Door of Return”— a concept that encourages descendants of enslaved Africans to visit Badagry and reconnect with their ancestral home. He often hosted international visitors and dignitaries at these sites, ensuring that the history of the Gbe and Ogu people remained central to Nigeria’s national story.
His path to the throne included teaching and journalism stints. “I was once a school teacher, after which I started my career in journalism,” he recounted, noting he had enjoyed teaching “because it afforded me the opportunity to impart knowledge to the younger ones and to also study further.” He added: “When I became a journalist, I did not find it difficult to adjust to the new work environment and schedule.”
His background in journalism was particularly noteworthy: he worked for the ‘West African Pilot’, rose to News Editor at the ‘Daily Sketch’, and eventually served as the Acting News Editor (South) for the ‘New Nigerian’. According to him, “journalism in our days was not a job but our life. If you want to make it in the profession, set a high standard for yourself… Be creative and friendly. These are some of the attributes that can make you climb the ladder of the profession.”
He leveraged this professional background to “rebrand” the throne, using the power of the press and public relations to put Badagry on the global map as a UNESCO-recognised site of historical significance.
He will be remembered for his role in transforming traditional history into an economic asset. He encouraged the preservation of the Slave Route and the Point of No Return, turning traditional leadership into a vehicle for global tourism and international relations.
