By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Akran of Badagry |
Commercial activities at the Agbalata International Market in Badagry came to a grinding halt on Thursday as the Lagos State Government commenced the official burial rites for the late Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi I. The monarch, a former journalist who reigned for over four decades, passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of cultural preservation and community development.
The closure follows an official proclamation by the Lagos State Government, which inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to oversee a befitting farewell for the revered traditional ruler. According to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the ceremonies are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 6, 2026.
On Wednesday, town criers toured the markets and various quarters of the ancient town, announcing the commencement of the rites and ordering the temporary suspension of trading. By Thursday, the usually bustling Agbalata Market was a ghost town, with stalls locked and the vibrant trade that typically defines the Badagry division noticeably absent.
While the rites are deeply rooted in the history of the Ogu people, the sudden closure caught some long-distance traders off guard. Joseph Edwin, a fish trader who traveled from the Mile 12 area of Lagos, expressed frustration over the lack of widespread communication.
"I had no idea the market would be closed today," he said. "Authorities should use radio and television for these announcements so that those of us coming from far away don't waste resources traveling down."
In response to these concerns, **Chief Tunde Giro**, the ‘Depegan’ of Badagry, assured the public that the market would reopen on Friday. He clarified that while the 10-day program is ongoing, the market will only shut down during specific "special rites" to balance traditional requirements with the economic needs of the community.
The burial program is not just a period of mourning but a celebration of the Akran’s 49-year reign. The scheduled activities include:
Ajogan Dance Parades: Cultural displays across the eight quarters of Badagry.
Religious Supplications: Combined prayers from Christian, Muslim, and traditional worshippers.
Legacy Festival: A three-day trade and entertainment hub at the Marina to boost the local economy.
Oro Traditional Rites: Final traditional ceremonies expected to conclude the program on May 6.
Governor **Babajide Sanwo-Olu** has reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring the Akran is honored with dignity. The involvement of the state government underscores the Akran’s high standing as the former Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.