Sanwo-Olu Urges Badagry to Preserve Legacy of Akran, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi

Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the people of Badagry to preserve the legacy of the Akran of Badagry, His Imperial Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I.

He said the “Akran of Badagry was a constant, an unshakeable figure of unity, whose palace was always open to his people and whose voice was always measured, always just.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Saturday during the funeral outing thanksgiving service held in honour of the Akran of Badagry, His Imperial Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, at Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Badagry.

A statement dated 2nd May, 2026 signed by Gboyega Akosile, special Adviser – Media and Publicity, made available to West Africa BusinessNews disclosed that the service was attended by the Lagos state Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; members of the State Executive Council; serving and former public office holders; politicians; religious and traditional leaders; deceased family members, security personnels and Badagry sons and daughters.

Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu, after the service, also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I Cultural Park in Badagry.

The Governor said the revered traditional ruler left this world with a name that will endure, a name synonymous with peace, with dignity, and with the timeless heritage of the Badagry Kingdom.

He said: “To the good people of Badagry, I say this: your Kabiyesi lived a life worthy of celebration. He was a teacher, a journalist, a king, a statesman, a father, and a guardian of one of the most storied kingdoms in Nigeria’s history. He gave you forty-eight years of peace. He gave the world a record of your heritage. He gave God a life of service.

“Do not let grief consume what he built. The best tribute you can offer the Akran of Badagry is to continue the work, to preserve the monuments, uphold the traditions, welcome the world to witness Badagry’s history, and raise your children to know the covenant of this ancient land.

“Throughout my time as Governor of Lagos State, I was privileged to witness firsthand the steady, principled presence of the Akran in our Council of Obas and Chiefs. He was not a man who spoke often, but when he spoke, the room listened. His was the wisdom of long years and long service, patient, generous, and incorruptible.

To the Royal Family of the Badagry Kingdom, to the sons and daughters, the chiefs, the palace council, and the extended royal household, I bring the condolences of the Lagos State Government and of the entire people of Lagos. We grieve with you. We know that no words can fill the space left by the departure of a father, a patriarch, and a king. But we also know that the surest way to honour a great man is to carry his values forward.