Tinubu: Oba Akran Was a Visionary Monarch, Left Track Record of Tolerance and Unity

• He was one of the most respected, respectable tradi-tional rulers, Obasanjo mourns

• He was known for his wisdom, cul-ture preservation, declares Sanwo-Olu

Deji Elumoye in Abuja James Sowole in Abeokuta and Yinka Olatunbosu

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, mourned the passing of Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, on Mon-day. He was aged 89.

Extending condolences to the government and people of Lagos State, Tinubu, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with Lagos State Traditional Council, of which the late Oba Babatunde was permanent Vice Chairman, Badagry Council of Chiefs, as well as sons and daughters of the historic and revered kingdom.

Tinubu affirmed that the traditional ruler provided visionary and purposeful leadership over his domain for nearly 50 years, leaving a track record of harmony, tolerance, unity, and prosperity among his people.

The president commended that the efforts of Oba Babatunde in protecting, preserving, and protecting the historical significance of Badagry Kingdom, a former slave harbour and route, and the rich cultural heritage that continued to attract global attention.

Tinubu acknowledged the wisdom of the late traditional ruler and his council in maintaining a balance between modernity and tradition, managing multicultural interests, and ensuring the sanctity of various cultural icons for posterity.

The president urged an appreciation of the legacy of Oba Babatunde, who worked as a teacher for many years before venturing into journalism, where he made an impact while holding positions at West African Pilot, Post Group of Newspapers, Daily Sketch, and New Nigeria.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed traditional ruler and comfort for his family.

On his part, Obasanjo said the news of the traditional ruler’s passing was received with shock. He stated that the late apex monarch in Badagry had emerged as one of the most respected and respectable traditional rulers in Lagos State. 

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, 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.

“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. 

“He was an apostle of inter-ethnic understanding and cohesion; inter-religious accommodation and tolerance and inter-cultural co-operation.

“For the governor of Lagos State, the entire good people of Badagry and his family, one can only imagine the traumatic experience and profound grief this sad event has caused them all.

“But they can all feel assured that their painful loss is shared by countless other Nigerians and certainly by me and my family, while we urge them to take solace in the knowledge that though we love him, his Creator loves him more and knows what is best for him.”

Sanwo-Olu: He Was Known for His Wisdom, Culture Preservation

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the late monarch was known for his wisdom, culture preservation, and advancement of Badagry develop-ment.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement 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, was known for his wisdom, culture 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.

Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the people of Badagry and the family of the late Oba Akran, saying his departure is a great loss to the traditional institution in the state.

The governor said in the statement, “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.”

Sanwo-Olu, further commenting on the achievements of the late Oba Akran, stated, “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.”