The Ogu General Assembly has expressed deep condolences to the #Ogu nation in Nigeria and the diaspora following the transition of His Imperial Majesty, De Whénọ Àhọ́lú Menu-Toyi I, the #Akran and Paramount Ruler of Badagry Kingdom.

In a press statement dated 13 January 2026 and signed by its Convener and President, Professor Jendele Hungbo, the Assembly described the monarch’s transition as a defining moment in the history of Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria, marking what it called “the end of a remarkable era”.

The late Akran, whose transition was announced on Monday, 12 January 2026, reigned for nearly 49 years and until his transition served as the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

According to the Assembly, his long reign was characterised by peace, unity and steadfast commitment to the preservation of Badagry’s culture, tradition and history.

The statement noted that De Whénọ Àhọ́lú Menu-Toyi I played a significant role in fostering development not only in Badagry but across Lagos State and the wider South-West region. It described him as a lover of knowledge, an accomplished journalist and a classroom teacher who embodied “the finest ideals of Ogu culture, modernity and intellect”.

The Ogu General Assembly also highlighted the monarch’s role as a consistent advocate for cultural justice and inter-ethnic harmony, describing his leadership as one that promoted peaceful coexistence and unity among diverse communities.

“As an organisation, we will miss his royal candour, regal presence and the fatherly counsel he made available to us at all times,” the statement said.

While commiserating with the royal family, the people of Badagry Kingdom and the Lagos State traditional institution, the Assembly said it was consoled by the legacy of unity and peaceful coexistence left behind by the late monarch. It also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his spirit and for a smooth and orderly transition in the traditional leadership of Badagry Kingdom.

De Whénọ Àhọ́lú Menu-Toyi I, OFR, LLD, DLitt, JP, was widely regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers in Lagos State, with a reign that spanned close to five decades and left an enduring imprint on Badagry’s cultural and historical identity.