The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, alongside his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, paid a condolence visit to the Palace of the Akran of Badagry, marking the conclusion of the 9-Day Funeral Rites of the revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Akran of Badagry.

The Governor and his Deputy were accompanied by members of the State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

They were received by the Chief Host and Chief Mourner, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe; the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode; the Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Whingan; the Member representing Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Bonu; and the Commissioner II, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Yahaya Lateef, among other dignitaries.

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Speaking during the visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late Akran as more than a traditional ruler, noting that he was “a symbol of unity, peace, wisdom, and cultural pride whose reign strengthened harmony and coexistence in Badagry and beyond.” The Governor emphasised that the legacy of peaceful coexistence championed by the monarch must be protected and upheld, charging the people of Badagry to continue to preserve the peace for which the ancient kingdom is known.

The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s respect for traditional institutions, describing them as critical partners in governance, peace-building, and grassroots development. He assured the people of Badagry that the Lagos State Government stands firmly with them in this moment of grief and transition.

Earlier in his address, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe welcomed the Governor on behalf of the government and people of Badagry, describing the visit as “a powerful demonstration of leadership with empathy, compassion, and respect for our traditional institutions.” He noted that the passing of His Royal Majesty has created a great vacuum not only in Badagry Kingdom but across Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

The Chairman highlighted the immense contributions of the late monarch, describing him as a father to all, a custodian of Badagry’s rich heritage, and a bridge between tradition and modern governance. He recalled that under the reign of Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Badagry remained a land of peace, dialogue, and unity, irrespective of political, religious, or social differences.

As part of the engagement, the Chairman made a passionate appeal to the Governor on a project dear to the heart of the late monarch, the Badagry Central Palace Project. He explained that His Royal Majesty envisioned the palace as a unifying rallying point that would strengthen traditional institutions, promote harmony, and further entrench peace and development in Badagry Kingdom.

In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the importance of the project, noting that challenges relating to land had previously stalled its execution. He assured the people that with land now duly allocated and budgetary provisions approved, construction would soon commence, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the late monarch through tangible development.

Prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed monarch, who has transitioned to join his ancestors, were offered by the Reverend of the Methodist Church, Badagry, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sunday Ola Onadipe, and the Chief Imam of Badagry Division, Alhaji Sheikh Fadilat Uwais Akewusola.

Also present at the event were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi; the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Hunpe; the management of Badagry Local Government led by the Council Manager, Mrs. Olusanya Mary Abosede; as well as traditional rulers, clerics, APC stalwarts, and Badagrians from all walks of life who gathered to honour and celebrate the revered monarch.