The Pathfinder
Tuesday January 13, 2026
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Oba Babatunde Akran, the Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, of Badagry is dead.
A palace source confirmed the monarch’s passing on Monday, January 12, 2026
Sons and daughters of the late king were at the palace, with some seen openly weeping.
A traditional chief, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Akran passed on about 1:30 a.m., but confirmation of his death was made about 5:30 a.m.
“The Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, has been informed, and we hope he will relay the information to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for an official announcement.
“That is why many of us are seated here at the palace to receive visitors.
“The Akran has gone to rest with his great ancestors,” he said.
Several traditional rulers and chiefs visited the palace to hold consultation ahead of the official announcement of the passing of the late Akran.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, has mourned the passing of the revered Oba of Badagry (Paramount Ruler of Badagry Kingdom) and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, the Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who joined his ancestors at the age of 89.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the departure of Oba Akran as a great loss not only to the people of Badagry but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large because of his remarkable impact as a respected monarch in Nigeria.
He said the revered king, who was on the throne for nearly 49 years, is a traditional ruler known for his wisdom, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Badagry’s development, adding that he rendered selfless service to the people and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition, uplifting and modern development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the people of Badagry and the family of the late Oba Akran of Badagry, over the passage of the paramount ruler, saying his departure is a great loss to the traditional institution in the State.
He said: “On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos, 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.
“The death of Oba Akran is a great loss to the people of the ancient town of Badagry, and he will be greatly missed. He was a respected journalist. As a traditional ruler, he made positive impacts during his lifetime and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of his community, Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Oba Akran, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of Badagry Kingdom will continue to cherish. He served as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs, and cultural heritage for nearly 49 years. He was a stabilising force known for uniting diverse interests within his kingdom and promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals nationally and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.
“He also used his position to attract growth and development to the ancient town. I urge his family, friends, subjects and associates, as well as the entire people of Badagry, whose interests the departed traditional ruler represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime, to work towards immortalising him.
“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of the Badagry kingdom and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
At the palace in Badagry on Monday, traditional rulers and chiefs were present, mourning the demise of the late Akran.
The late monarch was born on September 18, 1936, the fifth child of His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Ajiyon-Kanho, the 17th Akran of Badagry.
He had his formal education at Salvation Army Primary School, Lagos; Methodist School, Badagry; and Methodist Teachers’ College, Ifaki, Ekiti (1956–1957).
A royal figure of many parts, the late Akran was initially a teacher and taught in various schools within the Badagry Division.
His appointment as the Akran of Badagry was approved by the Executive Council of the Lagos State Government on October 7, 1976.
He ascended the throne of his forebears during a coronation ceremony held on April 23, 1977, where he was crowned and assumed the royal title De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, in accordance with tradition.
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