Late Akran of Badagry Remembered as Beacon of Unity, Progress — SMA Gold Pays Tribute
The late monarch of the Badagry Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, De-Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Akran of Badagry, has been described as a towering symbol of support, unity and development in Badagry Division.
This tribute was paid by a renowned philanthropist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Badagry and Lagos State, Mr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, during a condolence visit to the Akran Palace in Badagry on Thursday, January 16, 2026.
Speaking with journalists, Ajose said the late monarch lived a fulfilled life dedicated to the peace, growth and cultural preservation of Badagry Kingdom and the Ogu people at large.
“The Akran of Badagry was a pillar of unity and progress. He laid a solid legacy that generations of Badagrians must stand upon and uphold,” Ajose said.
He commiserated with the immediate family of the monarch, the people of Badagry, and the entire Ogu race, praying for peaceful ancestral transition of the revered traditional ruler.
Responding on behalf of the royal family, the first son of the late monarch, Prince Yemi Akran, expressed deep appreciation to Ajose and his entourage for the condolence visit and show of solidarity.
Prince Akran assured the public that the family would formally announce burial arrangements in due course.
The condolence visit was witnessed by prominent political and community leaders, including the Apex Leader of APC in Badagry, Chief Moses Zannu; Apex Leader of APC in Badagry West LCDA, Mr. Joseph Hontonyon-Bamgbose; former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Babatunde Mesewaku; Director-General of the Samuel Mawuyon Ajose Foundation, Mr. Abiodun Coker; and a leader of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, Most Senior Venerable Tosho Oshofa, among others.
The late Akran of Badagry remains widely respected for his leadership, humility and unwavering commitment to the cultural heritage and unity of the kingdom.
Reporting by Pentho Francis