Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on the people of Badagry to uphold and protect the legacy of the late Akran, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, urging them to ensure that his contributions to the community are not forgotten.
The governor made this appeal on Saturday during a thanksgiving service held in honour of the late monarch at Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral.
The event attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, political figures, and residents.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu described the late monarch as a symbol of unity, fairness, and stability, whose leadership style left a lasting impression on both his people and the state.
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.”
The governor stressed that while the loss is deeply felt, the most meaningful way to honour the monarch is to continue building on the foundation he laid.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal experience working with the monarch, Sanwo-Olu noted the king’s quiet but powerful influence within the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“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.”
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the royal family and the entire Badagry community, acknowledging the depth of the loss.
“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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further described the late monarch as a devoted leader whose nearly five-decade reign was marked by peace, cultural preservation, and service to his people.
