The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the people of Badagry to preserve the legacy of the late Badagry monarch, Oba Babatunde Akran, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Paramount Ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the advice during the ninth day of spiritual prayers in honour of the late monarch, held at the Akran’s palace in Badagry, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, members of the Lagos State Executive Council members, serving and former public office holders, religious, traditional and political leaders, deceased family and the people of Badagry.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the late monarch, saying that his 49 years on the throne were well spent. He said Oba Akran stood for togetherness, unity, and peace among his people and left a lasting legacy for the people of Badagry to uphold.
He also extended his warm condolences to the people of Badagry, stating that it was an honour and a moment of joy for him and his cabinet members to be present as government representatives at the event.
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that his government would fully support the late monarch’s family and fulfill all promises made to the people of Badagry.
He said: “The Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, stood for tradition and the rich cultural heritage that Badagry is known for. I want to advise the people of Badagry and Lagos to emulate the legacy the late monarch stood for so that peace will continue to reign in the town.
“Let us preserve the legacy and what the man stood for. It is for togetherness, unity and peace among his people. It is for our culture and tradition. We should ensure that we preserve all of our old, rich cultural heritage that we know Badagry for.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also promised speedy construction of the new Badagry central palace. He said the contractors had been called upon to commence the project immediately.
The Governor also assured the people of Badagry that the second phase of Market General Hospital road construction to Ajido would soon take off.
He said: “You can see all of the major roads, hospitals and schools that we have done here. And one of the new things that they requested for today is the construction of a new befitting palace, which we are committed to because we have made provision for it. We have identified a space for that and we will also help them to do that.
“Badagry will continue to remain peaceful and a place of pride for us, a place of joy and a place where both local and international tourist attractions will always want to come and have a connection with Badagry.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, said Oba Akran was more than a traditional ruler. He described him as a symbol of unity, peace, wisdom, and cultural pride.
“He was a voice of moderation, a promoter of harmony, and a consistent advocate for the development and progress of Badagry Local Government. Under his leadership, Badagry remained a land of peace, where dialogue prevailed over conflict, and where the throne served as a rallying point for all sons and daughters, irrespective of political, religious, or social affiliations,” he said.
He also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for attending the prayer session, saying his presence at the event is a powerful demonstration of leadership with empathy, compassion, and respect for traditional institutions.
The Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, described the late Oba Akran as a promoter of culture who attracted a lot of growth and development to Badagry during his reign and left behind a legacy of uniting tradition with contemporary progress.
He said the departure of the monarch was a great loss not only to the people of Badagry but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large because of his remarkable impacts as a respected traditional ruler in Nigeria.
Hon. Ajose said the people of Badagry Kingdom will continue to cherish the legacy of Aholu Menu Toyi I as someone who served passionately as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs, and cultural heritage for nearly 49 years.
Speaking on behalf of all traditional rulers and chiefs, the Vice Chairman, Badagry Local Government Council of Aholus and Obas, HRM Saheed Adamson, who is the the Aholu of Ajido kingdom, said the late Akran’s reign was marked by wisdom and unwavering commitment to peace and unity.
He said the late Akran played a major role in the approval of four traditional rulers in Badagry and ensured that grassroots leadership was properly reorganised.