January 12, (THEWILL) — Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed profound grief following the passing of the Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who died on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Obasanjo described the news as a shock, remarking that the late monarch, who passed away at the age of 89, was one of the most respected traditional rulers in Lagos State.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, in Abeokuta, Obasanjo lauded the monarch’s nearly 49-year reign over the ancient kingdom as a period of significant peace and stability.
“He had a most eventful life which traversed eight decades, and his reign over the Badagry Kingdom, which occupies a pedestal of looming importance in our ancient and contemporary history, witnessed notable peace and stability,” the statement read.
Obasanjo highlighted the cultural significance of the kingdom, noting that Badagry has remained a robust repertoire of Nigerian heritage since pre-colonial times.
He remembered the late Akran as a patriot and a custodian of traditional values who dedicated his life to the service of his people.
“Within his impactful years on the throne, he brought his salutary influence to foster unity, solidarity, peace, and development among all sons and daughters of the Badagry Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora,” Obasanjo added.
“He was an apostle of inter-ethnic understanding and cohesion, inter-religious accommodation, and inter-cultural cooperation.”
Currently in Ethiopia on a continental assignment, the former President offered his condolences to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the royal family, and the people of Lagos State.
He urged them to take solace in the monarch’s lasting legacy of selfless service.
The Akran, a renowned former journalist before his ascension to the throne in 1977, was the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
His passing marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most historic coastal kingdoms
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
