By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a vibrant display of cultural pride and ethnic solidarity, the Ogu General Assembly (OGA) hosted a spectacular independent celebration to honor the life and legacy of the late Akran of Badagry, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
While the Lagos State Government coordinated official funeral rites on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the OGA distinguished itself by organizing a separate, high-energy tribute at Badagry Grammar School.
The event featured a headline performance by Ogu music maestro, Joel Yetonyon, whose rhythms drew hundreds of Ogu indigenes from across Nigeria and the Diaspora.
For the Ogu General Assembly, the transition of the Akran is not merely a loss but a "divine passage" of a leader who prioritized the advancement of his people above all else.
Prof. Jendele Hungbo, the Convener of the Ogu General Assembly, emphasized that the celebration was a necessary reciprocation of the love the monarch showered on his subjects throughout his nearly five-decade reign.
"We believe that the transition of the Akran is divine. For the love he had for his people, we have to reciprocate that love," Prof. Hungbo stated. "This is a monarch who brought immense development to the Ogu people in Nigeria and abroad. We must emulate his commitment to peace, unity, and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage."
The OGA’s celebration was rooted in the philosophy that the Akran’s influence extended far beyond the geographic boundaries of Badagry. To the Ogu race, he was the ultimate symbol of their identity.
Dr. Tony Dansu, Chairman of the OGA Burial Committee for the Akran, noted that the group felt it was vital to honor the monarch in a way that reflected the specific traditions of the Ogu people.
"To OGA, the Akran is not just the King of Badagry, but the King of all Ogu people in Nigeria and the Diaspora," Dr. Dansu remarked. "In his transition, there is a need for us to celebrate him in our own way. He was a symbol of unity for the Ogu race. From his coronation in 1977 until his passing in 2026, we witnessed unprecedented growth in human capacity and infrastructure."
The assembly highlighted the "Golden Age" of Badagry under the late Akran, noting that his reign transformed the ancient city into a hub of educational and cultural advancement. The OGA leadership urged the next generation to protect the gains made under his leadership.
"We hope that after him, we will have someone who will do even more," Dr. Dansu added. "The Ogu people must continue to value our culture, promote unity, and support one another to keep his legacy alive."
As the sounds of Joel Yetonyon’s music echoed across the venue, the message from the Ogu General Assembly was clear: the Akran may have transitioned, but his role as the unifying force of the Ogu people remains eternal.