By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Aholu Menu-Toyi I the Akran of Badagry Kingdom |
BADAGRY, LAGOS — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on the residents of the ancient city of Badagry to protect and sustain the indelible legacy of the late Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry.
The Governor made this appeal on Saturday, May 2, 2026, during a grand funeral thanksgiving service held at the Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral. The event, which drew a massive crowd of mourners and dignitaries, marked the final religious rites for the monarch whose reign spanned nearly five decades.
Describing the late Akran as a "constant and unshakeable figure of unity," Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the monarch’s 48-year reign was characterized by justice, fairness, and an open-door policy.
"He was not a man who spoke often, but when he spoke, the room listened," Sanwo-Olu remarked. "His was the wisdom of long years and long service patient, generous, and incorruptible. The best tribute you can offer the Akran is to continue his work, preserve the monuments, and uphold the traditions of this ancient land."
The Governor was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and a host of traditional rulers and political leaders from across the state.
In a move to immortalize the late King’s commitment to heritage, Governor Sanwo-Olu performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I Cultural Park shortly after the church service.
The park is envisioned as a hub for cultural preservation, ensuring that the history of one of Nigeria’s most storied kingdoms remains accessible to future generations. The Governor urged the royal family and the palace council to see the project as a symbol of the "covenant of this ancient land."
The sermon, delivered by Prelate Emeritus Sunday Ola Makinde of the Methodist Church Nigeria, centered on the theme, "How are you preparing for your eternity?" The cleric lauded the late Oba for his hospitality and deep love for the people of Badagry.
"We have not lost a king; we have lost a father," Makinde echoed the sentiments of the locals. "The Akran’s life was a testament to service to God until death."
The Prelate commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for its "Red and Blue" rail projects and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore critics and proceed with the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, describing it as a "necessary and commendable" project for national integration.
Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I was the longest-reigning traditional ruler in Lagos State’s modern history. Before ascending the throne, he was a distinguished teacher and journalist backgrounds that the Governor noted contributed to his measured and statesman-like leadership.