Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who passed away on Monday, the 12th of January, 2026
The highly revered traditional ruler, popularly called Oba Akran, died on Monday at the age of 89 following a brief illness, bringing an end to a reign that spanned almost fifty years and ranked him among the longest-serving monarchs in Lagos State.
In his reaction, Obasanjo described the monarch’s death as shocking, noting that Badagry had lost one of its most distinguished and highly respected traditional rulers. The former president’s message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.
Obasanjo said the late Akran would be remembered for his patriotism and unwavering commitment to the preservation and defence of cultural and traditional values.
In the statement, Obasanjo said: “He had a most eventful life which traversed eight decades and his reign of fifty 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.
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“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.”
The former president further noted that the late Oba Akran was a strong advocate of inter-ethnic harmony, inter-religious tolerance and inter-cultural cooperation.
He also called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the people of Badagry and the immediate family of the late monarch to find comfort in the belief that “though we love him, his Creator loves him more and knows what is best for him.”