By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Akran of Badagry and Babatunde Whenu |
BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a heartfelt demonstration of respect and cultural solidarity, Mr. Babatunde Whenu, accompanied by his brothers and family members, paid a significant visit to the palace of the Akran of Badagry, His Royal Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, following the monarch's recent transition.
The visit on Wednesday served as a moment of reflection on the long and illustrious reign of the paramount ruler, who passed away recently at the age of 89 after nearly five decades on the throne.
Addressing the palace community, Mr. Whenu emphasized that while the physical absence of the monarch is a loss, his life should be a source of inspiration rather than sorrow.
"The Akran has done so much for Badagry and Nigeria at large, which is why he should be celebrated rather than mourned," Whenu stated. He expressed profound gratitude to God for the longevity of the King's life, noting that the monarch lived to see his efforts bear fruit across the kingdom, providing a legacy that few can match.
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The visit also became a platform for a call to unity and peaceful coexistence within the ancient coastal town. Whenu highlighted that the Akran’s primary mission throughout his 48-year reign was the maintenance of peace and the preservation of the Ogu cultural heritage.
He urged all residents and sons of the soil to come together to ensure that the stability the King worked so hard to build only grows stronger. "Now that Baba has gone, everything he did to make sure this kingdom is peaceful must increase even more; let all of us be together," he remarked passionately.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Whenu challenged the younger generation to build upon the "paved ways" left by the late traditional ruler. Acknowledging that the Akran had successfully positioned Badagry as a global tourism hub and a center of historical significance, Whenu prayed for divine guidance for the community to surpass the achievements of the past.
"None of us can deny that Baba has done well, and this has opened doors for us," he concluded. "Our prayer is that God should help us to do even better than he did."