The seat of Akran of Badagry is now empty. The occupant of the hallowed seat has passed away after 48 years on the throne. Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi left Badagry, the previous abode of slave owners, and returned to his forefathers.
In Yorubaland, kings never die. They change into spirits. They enter the vast hall with drums, trumpets, and saxophones, where they will dine and drink with our forefathers. Oba has traveled the great path of his forebears, and he’ll be welcomed with pomp and excitement.
Oba Babatunde, also known as De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, oversaw the affairs of Badagry, a seaside town, for 48 years. He was a proponent for youth development. Being an Oba in Badagry necessitates natural and emotional intelligence.
Oba Akran died at the age of 89 from a brief illness. The monarch’s death brings an end to his amazing 48-year tenure on the throne, making him one of Lagos State’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
Badagry had a number of firsts. It housed the first Christian mission, the first primary school, the first story structure, and a number of slave trade monuments. Oba Babatunde controlled the town for 48 years and led it to glory, making it a cynosure in everyone’s eyes.
13 things you probably did not know about late Akran of Badagry, Oba Babatunde De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I
He was born on September 18, 1936
He attended Salvation Army Primary School, Lagos
He attended Methodist School, Badagry
He attended Methodist Teachers’ College, Ifaki-Ekiti
He later studied journalism in the United Kingdom (UK) where he obtained diploma with distinction from the University of East Africa
He practiced as a journalist for years before ascending the throne.
He worked as a reporter for newspaper firms like the West African Pilot, Morning Post among others
He was popularly known as De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I
He represented Badagry in the Western Region Parliament in 1951 under the Action Group
He was a champion of youth empowerment
He played significant roles in promoting community development, cultural heritage, and education
He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D – Honoris Causa) on April 7, 1990
He died as the Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt