News
Badagry Monarch, Oba Babatunde Akran, dies at 89
The Akran of Badagry, Oba Babatunde Akran, also known as De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, has passed away at the age of 89, bringing to an end more than four decades of traditional leadership in the ancient coastal town.
The revered monarch died on Monday after a brief illness. Until his death, he served as the permanent vice-chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, a position that underscored his influence within the state’s traditional institution.
Before ascending the throne in the late 1970s, Oba Akran worked as a journalist, a background that many associates say shaped his open-minded leadership style and engagement with both government and the public during his reign.
Reacting to the development, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the monarch’s death as a huge loss to Badagry, Lagos State and the nation at large.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, the governor praised the late Akran for his decades of dedicated service and his impact as a respected traditional ruler.
Sanwo-Olu said the monarch was widely admired for his wisdom, commitment to preserving Badagry’s rich cultural heritage and his consistent advocacy for the development of the ancient town.
According to the governor, Oba Akran served his people with selflessness and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition and progress, noting that he played a key role in promoting Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals within and outside Nigeria.
He added that the monarch acted as a stabilising force in the kingdom, uniting diverse interests and using his influence to attract development and boost tourism in the area.
The governor commiserated with the people of Badagry and the royal family, describing the monarch’s passing as a significant loss to the traditional institution in Lagos State.
“On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos State, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the royal family, friends, associates and traditional institutions on the transition of the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He urged the family and subjects of the late monarch to work towards preserving and immortalising his legacy, while praying for strength for the people of Badagry and Lagos State to bear the loss.
Follow Us on Google Discover
PFIPC: Reps clear Gbajabiamila, uncover forged documents
Wike tackles APC governors, accuses Uzodinma, Abdulrazaq of plotting against him
Akwa Ibom Gov’t sparks controversy after describing Akpabio as ‘Acting President’
I think about Tinubu’s re-election everyday, if he loses, Atiku, Obi will deal with me – Wike
Kwankwaso arrives Port Harcourt ahead of 2027 election
Uber announces exit from Nigeria after 12 years
2027: Any LG chairman who fails to deliver victory for APC, Tinubu will lose his seat – Gov Nwifuru
Wike sets 2027 deadline for completion of FCT projects
African Union to launch credit rating agency October 7
Tinubu’s ‘dictatorship’ may end Nigeria’s democracy, SDP’s Adebayo warns
UEFA unveils special debut patches for UCL debutants
Nigeria records 14 fresh Lassa Fever cases – NCDC
NDA publishes 78th regular combatant course admission list
NAF opens 2026 recruitment for tradesmen, non-tradesmen
Five suspects arrested as police recover stolen vehicles in Cross River
NAF opens 2026 recruitment for tradesmen, non-tradesmen
2027: I will review NELFUND, offer debt forgiveness to Nigerian students – Atiku vows
I think about Tinubu’s re-election everyday, if he loses, Atiku, Obi will deal with me – Wike
‘Why can’t Nigerians buy petrol for N441-N872 per litre like, UAE, Angola Sudi Arabia, others’ – Atiku questions Tinubu
On LG Autonomy: I will send funds directly to LGs from Day 1 in office – Atiku vows
Yuguda warns Nigerians against Atiku’s promise to restore fuel subsidy, says its a political bait
2027: APC chieftain resigns, rejects support for Tinubu, Bauchi Governorship candidate
Don’t discuss Atiku’s NYSC certificate case against Tinubu in public – Judge warns lawyers
Tinubu’s effort to secure Trump’s support for re-election has failed – Atiku’s lobbying firm claim
Xenophobia: Nigeria will no longer tolerate dehumanisation of its citizens in South Africa — Shettima
North, biggest beneficiary of my reforms — Tinubu, Arewa Forum, others disagree
Nollywood hit by another loss as Atinuke Kareem dies after prolonged cancer battle
2027: Major Jack picked as Chinda’s running mate in Rivers
How security forces rescued 15 NYSC members, six others from Kogi kidnappers – Police
