Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the passing of the Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who died on Monday at the age of 89.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described the late monarch as an “apostle of inter-ethnic cohesion and understanding” and one of the most respected traditional rulers in Lagos State. He noted that Oba Menu-Toyi lived a remarkable life spanning more than eight decades and reigned for over 48 years over the historically significant Badagry Kingdom.
“The Akran of Badagry lived a most eventful life which traversed eight decades, and his reign brought notable peace and stability to the Badagry Kingdom,” Obasanjo said.
The former President highlighted the monarch’s dedication to preserving Badagry’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. He said the late ruler used his influence to foster unity, solidarity, peace, understanding, faith, and development among the sons and daughters of Badagry, both locally and in the diaspora. Obasanjo added that Oba Menu-Toyi was a patriot and a committed custodian of traditional values, promoting inter-ethnic understanding, inter-religious tolerance, and inter-cultural cooperation.
Obasanjo expressed sympathy to the royal family and the people of Badagry, noting that while Oba Menu-Toyi was deeply loved, “his Creator loved him more.” He added that the monarch’s legacy of peace, unity, and cultural preservation would endure, leaving a lasting mark on Badagry and Nigeria.
