Late Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I passed on, on January 12, 2026, at the age of 89, after a 48-year reign.

The Lagos State Government has announced a 10-day programme of events to honour the late Akran of Badagry Kingdom, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who passed on in January 2026.

Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the activities were designed to reflect the monarch’s legacy and align with traditional rites.

Salu-Hundeyin said the delay in announcing the programme was to ensure proper coordination with cultural obligations and existing state engagements.

According to her, the events will begin on April 23 with a traditional gun salute across Badagry’s eight quarters, prayers at the Akran Palace and a royal parade, followed by a documentary on the monarch’s life.

She said a novelty football match will hold on April 24 at Badagry Grammar School, while on April 25 they will be a sanitation exercise and medical outreach.

The committee chairman said Homage by associations, artisans and business groups is scheduled between April 26 and April 28 at the Akran Palace.

On April 29, officials will inspect proposed project sites, including the Badagry Central Palace and Menu-Toyi I Square, alongside a Christian procession.

Site for Badagry Central Palace

Youth-focused activities, including a night procession and tribute event, will take place on April 30.

Salu-Hundeyin added that special Jumat service and a legacy festival are slated for May 1, followed by the main event on May 2, featuring an interdenominational service, foundation-laying ceremonies and a grand reception.

The committee said the programme will conclude on May 6 with traditional rites, including Zangbeto and Oro processions.

Salu-Hundeyin appealed to the public to participate in the events.

She described the late monarch as a key figure in Badagry’s history and cultural identity.

Meanwhile Badagry Local Government Chairman Babatunde Hunpe described the monarch as a peaceful leader whose legacy should be preserved.

“He established peace in Badagry, and we pray that the peace he built will continue,” Hunpe said.

He added "We must give him a befitting burial. Though kings don't die, they transit to the great beyond. The Lagos state government has taken it up. It is going to be state burial, what we need to do is to give them a conducive environment which we will surely do", Hunpe said.

The council boss added that the state government would ensure a befitting burial.

Chairman of the media and publicity subcommittee, Adeyinka Amosu, said the announcement had revealed government plans and eased public uncertainty.

"I will rather describe this in a nut shell as heartwarming and encouraging especially for many of our professionals who are home based correspondents, there have been a lot of agitations, almost getting to a frenzy level of gossips, uncertainty and all that. This press briefing has put an official stamp on what the Government is doing to celebrate our cherished departed monarch" said Amosu,

Amosu said that such elaborate celebrations for traditional rulers were rare in Lagos State.

Lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency I, Solomon Bonu, said the Akran Legacy Festival would focus on youth development and celebrate the monarch’s contributions to employment and education opportunities.

CBI News reports that the Central Planning Committee for the funeral is made up of Secretary to the State Government Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who is the chairman, Co-Chairman, Jimi Ahisu, Secretary, Dr. Olajide Messewaku Ibrahim.

Others are Layode, Commissioner for Home Affairs; Commissioner for Local Governments, Bolaji Kayode-Roberts; Head of Media and Outreach, Adeyinka Amosu as well as various council chairmen, federal lawmakers, and traditional White Cap Chiefs.