The traditional ruler of the Badagry Kingdom in Lagos State, the Akran of Badagry, Oba Babatunde Akran, has been confirmed to have died at the age of 89 after a brief illness in the state.
Akran’s demise, as gathered, ended 48 years on the throne, becoming one of the longest-serving monarchs who have ruled any kingdom in the state.
Sources from the Palace disclosed to The Guild on Monday that the monarch has been pronounced dead by medical experts and that the traditional rites for the king’s burial have commenced gradually.
Our correspondent learnt that the sad development has brought a deep sense of grief to Badagry, with residents enveloped in pain over the exit of their revered monarch.
They described his passing as a heavy blow, noting that the town has lost not just a king but a father figure whose counsel and presence brought reassurance in moments of uncertainty.
The monarch’s death was confirmed by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who described the departure of the Akran as a great loss not only to the people of Badagry but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large because of his remarkable impact as a respected monarch in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor, who joined millions of Lagosians to mourn the passing of the revered traditional ruler, added that Akran is a traditional ruler known for his wisdom, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Badagry’s development.
According to him, he rendered selfless service to the people and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition, uplifting, and modern development.
Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the people of Badagry and the family of the late Oba Akran of Badagry, over the passage of the paramount ruler, saying his departure is a great loss to the traditional institution in the State.
He said: “On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the deceased’s family, friends, associates and traditional institutions on the transition of the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
“The death of Oba Akran is a great loss to the people of the ancient town of Badagry, and he will be greatly missed. He was a respected journalist. As a traditional ruler, he made positive impacts during his lifetime and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of his community, Lagos State, and Nigeria.
“Oba Akran, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of the Badagry Kingdom will continue to cherish. He served as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs, and cultural heritage for nearly 49 years.
“He was a stabilising force known for uniting diverse interests within his kingdom and promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals nationally and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.
“He also used his position to attract growth and development to the ancient town. I urge his family, friends, subjects, and associates, as well as the entire people of Badagry, whose interests the departed traditional ruler represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime, to work towards immortalising him.
“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of the Badagry kingdom and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
