By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY — The Ogu General Assembly (OGA) has described the transition of His Imperial Majesty, De Whéno, Àhộlú Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, not as a moment of mourning, but as a monumental celebration of a life dedicated to the advancement of the Ogu people worldwide.
Led by the Convener of the OGA, Prof. Jendele Hungbo, a high-powered delegation visited the palace on Thursday, January 22, 2026, to offer solidarity to the royal family and the council of chiefs. The visit comes in the wake of the monarch’s passing, which was officially announced on January 12, marking the end of a remarkable 49-year reign.
A Symbol of Global Ogu Dignity
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Hungbo emphasized the Akran’s role as a unifying force. He noted that the monarch was a "forthright traditional ruler" whose influence stretched far beyond the borders of Lagos State, acting as a bridge for those in the diaspora.
"For the Ogu people, he remained a symbol of dignity. There is no one in Nigeria who will hear the name Akran and not know they are talking about a ruler who used his position to facilitate development. He brought people from the diaspora to reconnect with their roots, placing Badagry as the center point of that reconnection," Hungbo stated.
Commitment to Peace and Development
The Ogu General Assembly highlighted the late Akran's intellectual background as an ace journalist and educator, which he leveraged to preserve the culture and history of the kingdom. As the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, his leadership was characterized by a "regal presence" and "fatherly counsel."
Reflecting on the group's relationship with the monarch, Prof. Hungbo remarked "He was a constant adviser to the group; he was with us 100% until his demise. We owe this obligation to come here and pay the family and the chiefs a visit to celebrate a man who sought the development of all Ogu people across the nation and the world."
A Call for Seamless Succession
In a move to safeguard the peace the Akran spent nearly five decades building, the OGA issued a stern but passionate plea regarding the future of the throne. Prof. Hungbo urged the people of Badagry to avoid the "succession rivalries" that often plague other kingdoms during transitions.
"Badagry people shouldn't see this as a loss, but as an opportunity to reunite themselves and come together for greater hope," Hungbo advised. "What happens in other kingdoms a succession rivalry should not be seen in Badagry Kingdom."
The End of a Remarkable Era
The official statement from the OGA, signed earlier by Prof. Hungbo, described the monarch’s departure as an "important node in the history of Nigeria." The Assembly noted that the late Akran, who held prestigious honors including an OFR and multiple doctorates, embodied the "finest of Ogu culture, modernity, and intellection."
The Assembly prayed for a "smooth and peaceful transition of traditional leadership," stressing that the best way to honor the late King is to maintain the "radiant inter-ethnic cohesion" he left behind.