By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Akran of Badagry and Viyon Awhanse |
The death of Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, has sparked a wave of tributes from across the globe, but none are as deeply personal as the testimony shared by prominent film producer , director and festival Director Badagry International Film Festival, Viyon Awhanse.
Viyon Awhanse joined Babatunde Whenu and the Whenu clan on a condolence visit to the palace of the late Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Paramount Ruler and first-class traditional monarch of the Badagry Kingdom on January 12, 2026, Awhanse revealed how the intervention of the late King prevented a legal catastrophe that could have ended his career before it truly began.
The incident dates back to the early stages of Viyon Awhanse’s mission to promote Badagry through cinema. Following the 2008 launch of his "My Badagry My Future" initiative, Awhanse was tapped in 2017 to consult for TatafoHQ on a major production: a 260-episode telenovela titled Jemeji.
To ensure cultural and historical authenticity, Awhanse secured the support of several esteemed academics, including:
Prince Seyon Akran and
Prince Adeyinka Amosu (Sao).
While the production team initially selected Badagry as the primary filming location, the plan faced immediate hurdles. Concerns arose regarding the high density of security checkpoints and the perceived volatility of the area at the time, leading to significant discomfort among the crew and a reconsideraton of the filming site.
The team of the contract initially selected Badagry as the primary filming location. However, the production team faced immediate discomfort due to the high number of security checkpoints and the perceived volatility of the area at that time.
Facing pressure from his production team to find a safer alternative that mimicked the aesthetics of Badagry, Awhanse found himself in a difficult position. "I was between the deep blue sea on how to tell my people that this project had been moved," Awhanse recounted.
This pressure led him to scout locations in Ipaja, a decision that nearly cost him his freedom. While scouting, locals mistook him for a spy, leading to his immediate arrest and detention at a local palace.
The situation turned dire when the authorities demanded that he produce a prominent figure to vouch for his identity and integrity. In a moment of desperation, he reached out to his friend, Prince Seyon Akran, the son of the Akran of Badagry. When the news reached the King, the monarch did not hesitate to act on behalf of the young filmmaker.
Reliving the moment of his rescue, Awhanse said: "The Akran gave a recommendation letter with a special seal, which saved me and at the same time gave me special recognition till the series was completed." This royal endorsement didn't just keep him out of prison; it provided the production with a level of prestige and security that allowed the project to flourish.
The legacy of the Akran of Badagry is perhaps best illustrated by the triumph of "Jemeji," a 260-episode telenovela commissioned by M-Net Africa Magic. The project, which brought immense pride to the Badagry Kingdom, was made possible by the King’s unwavering support. Upon the show's completion, the production team led by TatafoHQ CEO Victor Sanchez Aghahowa returned to the palace to formally thank the Akran for the pivotal role he played in their success.
As the Kingdom mourns the passing of this titan, Awhanse emphasizes the importance of documenting the King’s character. He believes these narratives serve a dual purpose. Ensuring the King's quiet acts of grace are never forgotten. Encouraging the next generation to lead with kindness and integrity.
"We need to tell stories of the good deeds of our father to encourage our upcoming youths on the need to be good," Awhanse noted.
Ultimately, the Akran’s impact extends far beyond history books. It lives on through the flourishing careers of the many individuals he shielded, mentored, and championed throughout his long and peaceful reign.
The death of Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, has sparked a wave of tributes from across the globe, but none are as deeply personal as the testimony shared by prominent film producer , director and festival Director Badagry International Film Festival, Viyon Awhanse. During a condolence visit to the palace on Wednesday following the monarch’s transition on January 12, 2026, Awhanse revealed how the intervention of the late King prevented a legal catastrophe that could have ended his career before it truly began.