Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
The respected traditional ruler, widely known as Oba Akran of Badagry , died on Monday at the age of 89 following a brief illness.
His passing marks the end of an illustrious reign that spanned almost five decades, earning him recognition as one of Lagos State’s longest-serving monarchs.
Reacting to the news of Akran of Badagry death, Obasanjo in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, described it as
shocking, stating that the late Badagry apex monarch had emerged as one of the most respected and respectable traditional rulers in Lagos State.
According to Obasanjo, the late monarch would be remembered as a patriot and defender of cultural and traditional values.
The statement to late Akran of Badagry reads in part, “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.
“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.
Obasanjo further stressed that late Oba Akran was an apostle of inter-ethnic understanding and cohesion; inter-religious accommodation and tolerance and inter-cultural co-operation.
He urged the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the people of Badagry and his immediate family, to take solace in the knowledge that “though we love him, his Creator loves him more and knows what is best for him.”
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