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Badagry Monarch, Oba Babatunde Akran, Dies at 89
The Paramount Ruler of the Badagry Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Akran, has passed away at the age of 89.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have expressed their condolences, describing the monarch’s death as a great loss to Lagos State and Nigeria.
Oba Akran, who reigned for nearly 49 years, was the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. He was praised as a respected traditional ruler and a stabilising figure known for his wisdom, cultural preservation, and advocacy for development in Badagry.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the late monarch served as a custodian of Badagry’s traditions and worked to unite the community, while also promoting the area’s historical sites and cultural festivals.
In his tribute, former President Obasanjo described Oba Akran as an “apostle of inter-ethnic cohesion and understanding,” noting his role in fostering peace and development throughout his reign.
The monarch, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, died on Monday after a brief illness.