Badagry Kingdom has entered a period of solemn traditional observance following the transition of its paramount ruler, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the #Akran of Badagry, who has joined his ancestors.

As custom demands, the ancient town was enveloped in a quiet, reverential atmosphere on Monday, with traditional rites commencing around the Akran’s palace even before any formal public pronouncement. Movement restrictions were observed in areas surrounding the palace, particularly along the #Agbalata axis through #Topo Garage, as age-long protocols associated with the passage of a reigning monarch were activated.

Youths barricaded sections of the road leading to the palace, redirecting vehicular and motorcycle traffic to alternative routes. Movement within the immediate palace environment was limited, while traditional Oro worshippers were seen carrying out sacred rites in accordance with Badagry customs. Shops and residential buildings close to the palace were shut, and movement was largely restricted to men, in line with established tradition.

At Agbalata Market, trading continued cautiously on Monday under a subdued mood, but traders confirmed that the market would be closed on Tuesday as part of the mourning observances for the departed monarch.

Tributes Pour In for a Royal Father

As Badagry bowed in reverence, tributes flowed in from political leaders, statesmen and public figures across Lagos State and Nigeria, all acknowledging the stature of a monarch whose reign spanned nearly five decades.

A 2027 Lagos governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Olajide Adediran (Jandor), described the Akran as “a revered traditional ruler, a custodian of culture, and a symbol of unity,” whose reign fostered peace, stability and cultural pride within Badagry Kingdom and Lagos State.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, described the monarch’s transition as shocking, noting that the Akran of Badagry was widely regarded as one of the most respected and respectable traditional rulers in Lagos State.

Obasanjo recalled the monarch as a patriot and custodian of Nigeria’s cultural and traditional values, whose nearly fifty-year reign was marked by peace, stability and unity in Badagry.

He highlighted the late Akran’s role in promoting inter-ethnic understanding, inter-religious tolerance and cultural cooperation among the sons and daughters of Badagry, both at home and in the diaspora.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also paid glowing tribute, describing the Akran’s transition as a profound loss to Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the governor noted that the monarch was a stabilising force, a custodian of tradition and a strong advocate for Badagry’s development.

He urged the people of Badagry and the royal family to take solace in the enduring legacy of peace, unity and cultural preservation left behind by the departed monarch, while calling for efforts to immortalise his contributions.

A Throne Steeped in History

Born on September 18, 1936, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I ascended the throne of his forefathers on April 23, 1977, following approval by the Lagos State Executive Council in October 1976. His reign, which lasted close to 49 years, was one of the longest in Lagos State history.

Beyond the palace, the late Akran was a man of letters and public service. He served on the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission and was the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs until he joined his ancestors.

He was also conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in recognition of his service.

Badagry in Reverent Silence

As traditional rites continue and official palace announcements are awaited, Badagry remains in a state of solemn reflection. The palace, streets and markets tell the story of a kingdom paying final respects to a royal father whose life embodied tradition, intellect and service.

Though the throne stands temporarily vacant, the spirit and legacy of De Wheno #Aholu Menu-Toyi I endure—woven into the cultural soul of Badagry and the collective memory of its people.