By Ayomide Otitoju
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged the people of Badagry to preserve and uphold the legacy of the late 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.
The governor gave the charge on Wednesday during the ninth day of spiritual prayers held in honour of the late monarch at the Akran’s Palace in Badagry.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; members of the Lagos State Executive Council; serving and former public office holders; as well as religious, traditional and political leaders, members of the royal family and residents of Badagry.
Sanwo-Olu described Oba Akran’s 49-year reign as impactful, noting that the monarch stood firmly for unity, peace and togetherness among his people, leaving behind a legacy worthy of preservation.
He expressed condolences to the people of Badagry and the royal family, saying it was both an honour and a privilege for him and members of his cabinet to be present at the prayer session in their capacity as representatives of the state government.
The governor assured the community of the state government’s continued support for the late monarch’s family and pledged to fulfil all promises made to the people of Badagry.
“The Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, stood for tradition and the rich cultural heritage that Badagry is known for,” Sanwo-Olu said. “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 our old, rich cultural heritage that Badagry is known for.”
Sanwo-Olu also announced that construction of a new Badagry Central Palace would commence soon, noting that contractors had been directed to begin work immediately. He further assured residents that the second phase of the Market General Hospital road construction to Ajido would take off shortly.
“You can see the major roads, hospitals and schools we have done here,” the governor said. “One of the requests made today is the construction of a new befitting palace, which we are committed to, as provision has been made and a site identified.
“Badagry will continue to remain peaceful and a place of pride for us, a place of joy, and a destination where both local and international tourists will always want to visit and connect with.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, described the late Oba Akran as more than a traditional ruler, calling him 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,” Hunpe said. “Under his leadership, Badagry remained a land of peace where dialogue prevailed over conflict.”
Hunpe also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for attending the prayer session, describing his presence as a demonstration of leadership rooted in empathy, compassion and respect for traditional institutions.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, described the late monarch as a strong promoter of culture whose reign attracted growth and development to Badagry, successfully blending tradition with contemporary progress.
He said Oba Akran’s death was a significant loss not only to Badagry but to Lagos State and Nigeria at large, noting that the people of the kingdom would continue to cherish his nearly 49 years of dedicated service as custodian of Badagry’s traditions and customs.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers and chiefs, the Vice Chairman of the Badagry Local Government Council of Aholus and Obas, HRM Saheed Adamson, the Aholu of Ajido Kingdom, said Oba Akran’s reign was defined by wisdom and an unwavering commitment to peace and unity.
He added that the late monarch played a key role in the approval of four traditional rulers in Badagry and ensured the effective reorganisation of grassroots leadership across the area.
