Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the executive Governor of Lagos State has expressed grief at the passing of Oba Babatunde Akran, the Paramount Ruler of the Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs who died aged 89.
Through a statement released by Gboyega Akosile, the special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Mr Sanwo-Olu described the departure of the monarch as a loss to the state and the country.
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 the 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 promoting 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.”
