By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Seyon Akran and Prof. Samuel Oladiipo Kolawole |
BADAGRY, NIGERIA — The management and staff of the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV) paid a somber condolence visit to the palace of the Akran of Badagry on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The delegation, led by the Director/CEO, Prof. Samuel Oladiipo Kolawole, arrived to honor the memory of the late monarch, His Royal Majesty, Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who passed away on January 12.
The visit served as an emotional tribute to a ruler described as a "custodian of culture" and a vital pillar for the academic community. Prof. Kolawole expressed deep personal and institutional grief, noting that the monarch’s passing is a monumental loss not just to the ancient town of Badagry, but to the Federal Republic of Nigeria at large.
Reflecting on his recent appointment as Director, Prof. Kolawole shared his personal regret over the timing of the King’s departure. Having visited the palace only a few months prior, he had looked forward to a long and fruitful partnership between the Inter-University Centre and the royal father.
"I relied so much on the fact that we were going to have a good relationship," Prof. Kolawole stated during the visit. "I was hoping that I would come back in a few months to have more conversation, but unfortunately, he has to leave us at this moment. It is so painful that Kabiesi had to leave at this particular time."
During the visit, a formal letter of condolence signed by the Director was presented to the royal family. The message highlighted the shock felt across the Governing Council, Management, staff, and students of the French Village upon hearing the news of the demise of the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The letter described the late Akran as an "epitome of peace" and a "pillar of support" whose influence extended far beyond the palace walls. The delegation emphasized that his absence has created a "vacuum" in the hearts of the community and the institution he supported for decades.
The NFLV management specifically noted the monarch's role in maintaining the peace and stability that allowed the institution to thrive. As an international center for French studies located in Badagry, the Village has long benefited from the harmonious co-existence fostered by Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
"His contributions to peace, stability, and harmonious co-existence in the Nigeria French Language Village... is still very much desired and will be greatly missed," the official statement read. The institution credited the monarch’s leadership for contributing to the "steady progress" of the academic center.
Though the Royal Father joined his ancestors at the ripe age of 89, the delegation maintained that no age feels "long enough" for a leader of his caliber. The NFLV joined the Badagry Local Government, the Akran Royal Dynasty, and the people of the ancient town in mourning a figure who was both nationally and internationally recognized.
The visit concluded with prayers for the bereaved family and the entire kingdom. "We pray God to soothe your pains and grant each one that is touched the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss," Prof. Kolawole added, praying for the "Eternal King" to grant the monarch eternal rest.