Popular Lagos Monarch, Akran of Badagry, Dies
The Akran of Badagry Kingdom in Lagos, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, has passed on.
The revered monarch reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, January 12, 2026, though details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained sketchy as of press time.
Badagry was thrown into mourning following the news, with sources confirming that markets across the ancient town have been ordered shut ahead of the public outing of the Oro masquerade, in line with local customs marking the passing of a paramount ruler.
Oba Menu-Toyi I was one of the most prominent and longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos State, having ascended the throne in 1977 and reigned for about 48 years. He was widely respected within the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs and regarded as a strong voice in traditional and public affairs.
Before becoming monarch, the late Akran had a distinguished public career. He was a politician and journalist,as well as an educator in his early years. He was a member of the Action Group and represented Badagry in the parliament in 1951, later serving as a minister in the pre-Independence era. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Badagry Grammar School, one of the town’s flagship secondary schools.
As a journalist, his professional career began in 1961 at the West African Pilot. He later worked with Daily Sketch and The New Nigeria newspapers, earning respect for his intellect and engagement with national issues.
There were conflicting accounts about his age at the time of his death. While some sources, including Wikipedia, stated that he was born in 1899, other official accounts put his age at 89.
The death of Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I marks the end of an era in Badagry, where he reigned for decades as a custodian of tradition and a bridge between the old order and modern governance.
