Badagry Kingdom has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of its revered paramount ruler, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I (OFR, LLD, DLitt, JP), the Akran of Badagry. The respected monarch reportedly passed on at the age of 89 after a brief illness, marking the end of a historic and influential reign.
For decades, Oba Menu-Toyi I stood as the custodian of Badagry’s rich cultural heritage, a symbol of unity, wisdom, and royal authority. His reign was defined by dignity, intellectual depth, and a firm commitment to preserving the traditions and identity of the ancient coastal town. Within Lagos State, he was a towering traditional voice and a respected member of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, where his counsel carried weight and reverence.
Beyond Badagry, the late monarch was widely respected across Nigeria as a ruler whose influence transcended palace walls. He was regarded as a monarch of culture and uncommon grace, deeply conscious of history and the responsibilities of traditional leadership in a modern society. Under his watch, Badagry retained its place as a symbol of memory, resilience, and cultural continuity.
Internationally, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I was especially revered in Brazil, where he was well known for his deep connection with Brazilians of enslaved descent who traced their ancestry to Badagry, historically recognized as one of the major points of departure during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Over the years, the Akran received numerous delegations, priests, cultural leaders, and families from Brazil who journeyed to Badagry in search of ancestral reconnection. Through these repeated receptions, he became a living bridge between Africa and its diaspora.
As news of his passing spread, Brazilians of enslaved descent joined in mourning the monarch, remembering him as a royal father who welcomed them back home with open arms. Speaking from Brazil, Baba Paulo de Xangô paid tribute to the late Akran, saying, “He received us back home several times.” His words echo the sentiments of many across the diaspora who saw the monarch as a symbol of healing, return, and restored identity.
As Badagry bows its head in grief, tributes continue to pour in from traditional rulers, government officials, cultural institutions, and members of the African diaspora. The passing of Oba Menu-Toyi I is widely regarded as the close of a defining chapter in the history of Badagry Kingdom.
Though he has joined his ancestors, the royal footprints of His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I remain indelible. His legacy of cultural preservation, ancestral reconnection, and dignified leadership will endure for generations to come. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
