President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senator Oluranti Adebule have expressed sorrow over the death of the Paramount Ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran (Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I).
Oba Akran, who reigned for nearly 48 years, died yesterday. He was 89.
In a condolence message by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commiserated with the Government and people of Lagos State, the Lagos State Traditional Council, where the late monarch served as Permanent Vice Chairman, as well as the Badagry Council of Chiefs and the entire Badagry Kingdom.
President Tinubu described Oba Akran as a visionary and purposeful leader who provided steady guidance to his people for more than four decades, fostering harmony, tolerance, unity and prosperity across the ancient coastal kingdom.
The President noted that the late monarch played a critical role in protecting, preserving and projecting the historical significance of Badagry Kingdom, renowned globally as a former slave harbour and route, while safeguarding its rich cultural heritage which continues to draw international attention.
According to the President, Oba Akran’s reign was marked by wisdom and balance, as he and his council successfully navigated the intersection of modern governance and age-long traditions, managed multicultural interests, and ensured the preservation of sacred cultural icons for future generations.
President Tinubu also recalled the monarch’s distinguished professional journey, noting that before ascending the throne, Oba Akran worked for many years as a teacher and later made notable contributions to journalism, serving in various capacities at the West African Pilot, Post Group of Newspapers, Daily Sketch, and New Nigeria.
The President urged Nigerians, particularly the people of Badagry, to reflect on and uphold the enduring legacy of service, cultural stewardship and inclusive leadership left behind by the departed monarch.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Oba Akran’s soul and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family, the Badagry traditional institution and all those mourning his passing.
Aslo, in a statement by Lagos State Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, governor Sanwo-Olu described the monarch’s passing as a great loss, not only to the people of Badagry but to Lagos State and the country at large.
Sanwo-Olu said the late Oba Akran was a revered traditional ruler known for his wisdom, commitment to cultural preservation and strong advocacy for the development of Badagry.
He noted that the monarch rendered selfless service to his people and left behind a legacy of unity, respect for tradition and progressive development.
The governor commiserated with the people of Badagry and the royal family, describing the monarch’s death as a significant loss to the traditional institution in Lagos State.
‘On behalf of my wife, the government and the people of Lagos State, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the deceased’s family, friends, associates and traditional institutions on the transition of the Paramount Ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I’, he said.
According to him, Oba Akran would be greatly missed by the ancient town of Badagry, noting that he was a respected journalist and a traditional ruler who made positive and lasting contributions to the growth and development of his community, Lagos State and Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu added that as a first-class traditional ruler, the late monarch served as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs and cultural heritage, and was a stabilising force who united diverse interests within the kingdom.
He said the monarch also promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals locally and internationally, thereby boosting tourism and cultural exchange, while using his position to attract development to the area.
The governor urged the people of Badagry to work towards immortalising the late monarch in recognition of his service and contributions.
‘I pray that Almighty God grants the royal family, the people of Badagry Kingdom and Lagos State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss’, he said.
Former President Obasanjo said the news of the monarch’s passing was received with shock, even as he remarked that the late Badagry monarch had emerged as one of the most respected and respectable traditional rulers in Lagos State.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said: ‘He had a most eventful life which traversed eight decades and his reign of 50 years over Badagry Kingdom, which occupies a pedestal of looming importance in our ancient and contemporary history, witnessed notable peace and stability.
‘Badagry has, since pre-colonial times, remained a robust repertoire of the finest aspects of our cultural and artistic heritage. He would be remembered as a patriot and custodian of our cultural and traditional values, who gave his best while on the throne of his forefathers.
‘Within his impactful years on the throne, he brought his salutary influence to foster unity, solidarity, peace, understanding, faith and development in our common heritage among all the sons and daughters of Badagry and the entire Badagry Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora.
‘He was an apostle of inter-ethnic understanding and cohesion; inter-religious accommodation and tolerance and inter-cultural co-operation.
‘For the Governor of Lagos State, the entire good people of Badagry and his family, one can only imagine the traumatic experience and profound grief this sad event has caused them all, but they can all feel assured that their painful loss is shared by countless other Nigerians and certainly by me and my family, while we urge them to take solace in the knowledge that though we love him, his Creator loves him more and knows what is best for him’.
The Senator representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said she received with deep sense of loss the news of the passing of the Akran of Badagry.
Senator Adebule described the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler and a foremost custodian of the rich cultural heritage of Badagry Kingdom
According to her, his demise marks the end of an era in the long and proud history of Badagry, and it is a great loss not only to the people of the ancient town but also to Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
Dr Adebule said: ‘The late Akran was a symbol of peace, wisdom and dignity. Throughout his 48 years reign, he demonstrated uncommon commitment to the unity, stability and development of Badagry, providing guidance that fostered harmony among communities and strengthened traditional institutions.
‘He was deeply passionate about preserving the cultural values and historical significance of Badagry, a town renowned for its role in Nigeria’s history and its enduring cultural identity. His leadership helped to uphold these values while embracing progress and peaceful coexistence.
‘Beyond the palace, the Akran was widely respected for his counsel, humility and accessibility. He related warmly with people from all walks of life, earning the admiration of traditional leaders, government officials and ordinary citizens alike.
‘As a leader, he worked closely with successive administrations to promote development initiatives and advocate for the welfare of his people. His contributions to the socio-economic growth of Badagry will remain indelible and worthy of emulation.
‘On behalf of my family and Lagos West Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the Badagry Traditional Council and the entire people of Badagry Kingdom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult moment and pray that God’s grant you all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss’.
Senator Adebule equally commiserated with the Lagos State Government and the traditional institutions in the state over the passing of this distinguished monarch.
She prayed that the late monarch’s legacy of peace, service and devotion to his people continue to inspire present and future generations.
Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, Badagry, Oba Oladele Kosoko, said the demise of the Akran, an illustrious son and visionary traditional ruler marked the end of an era.
According to him, an era defined by the Akran’s unwavering commitment to peace, progress and preservation of Badagry‘s rich cultural heritage.
The monarch said: ‘Baba Akran was more than a traditional ruler; he was a father figure to many in Badagry Kingdom, a unifying force and a beacon of wisdom. His reign brought unprecedented development and stability to his domain. His contributions to the socio-economic and traditional advancement of Badagry Kingdom will forever be etched in our hearts.
‘As we mourn his transition, we find solace in the fact that his legacy of service, compassion and leadership will continue to inspire members of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs’.
Also, the Onigbanko of Igbanko Kingdom, Badagry, Oba Sheriff Bello, extended his condolences to the royal family on the transition of the revered traditional ruler.
Oba Bello said: ‘The passing of the Akran of Badagry marks the end of a glorious era defined by wisdom, dignity, and unwavering commitment to tradition and peaceful coexistence.
‘He was not only a custodian of Badagry’s rich cultural heritage but also a respected voice within the traditional institution in Lagos state and beyond. His reign embodied royal discipline, unity, and a deep sense of responsibility to his people.
‘As a fellow traditional ruler, I recognise the profound vacuum his departure left, not only within the Badagry Kingdom but across the council of Obas and Chiefs. His counsel, calm leadership, and dedication to cultural preservation will be deeply missed.
‘In this moment of grief, Igbanko Kingdom stands in solidarity with the Akran family and the entire Badagry community’.
