Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Babatunde Hunpe, has declared a seven-day period of mourning following the death of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi I.
The announcement was made Tuesday through the chairman's Chief Press Secretary, Austin Kriko, after receiving formal approval from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The revered monarch passed away Monday at the age of 89 after a brief illness.
“Oba Akran peacefully joined his ancestors on Monday, Jan. 12, after a long, illustrious, dignified, and impactful reign, devoted to peace, unity, and the preservation of Badagry’s rich and enduring cultural heritage,” Hunpe said in the statement.
During the week-long mourning period, residents of the ancient coastal town have been urged to reflect on the monarch’s nearly 49-year leadership.
Hunpe described the late king as a "living bridge between the past and the future" and a moral compass for his people.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his condolences, describing the transition of the first-class monarch as the "end of an era."
The governor noted that the late Akran's reign was defined by a steadfast commitment to the development of Badagry and the preservation of its historical significance.
Born on Sept. 18, 1936, the late Oba, whose birth name was Babatunde Akran, was a veteran journalist before ascending the throne.
He began his media career in the 1960s, working for titles such as the West African Pilot and New Nigeria, where he eventually served as Acting News Editor (South).
He was crowned on April 23, 1977, as the 17th Akran of Badagry.
Traditional burial rites have already commenced in accordance with the customs of the ancient kingdom.
