2027 Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, has expressed grief over the death of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, De Wheno Menu-Toyi I.
Jandor said the monarch died on Sunday at the age of 89.
In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Jandor described the late Akran as a traditional ruler whose reign contributed to peace and cultural continuity in Badagry Kingdom and Lagos State.
He extended condolences to the royal family, chiefs and people of Badagry Kingdom, as well as the Lagos State Government and residents of the state.
Jandor said the monarch’s death marked the end of an era and described it as a loss to traditional institutions in the country.
“May the legacy of service, peace, and cultural pride upheld by His Majesty continue to inspire present and future generations,” he said.
De Wheno Menu-Toyi I was the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom until his death.
He was born on September 18, 1936.
He ascended the throne on April 23, 1977, following approval by the Lagos State Executive Council in October 1976 and reigned for 48 years.
Before becoming a traditional ruler, he worked as a teacher and later as a journalist.
His journalism career began in 1961 at the West African Pilot, where he served as a diplomatic correspondent and chief reporter.
He also worked at the Daily Sketch and later at New Nigeria newspapers, where he rose to the position of acting news editor (South).
The late monarch studied at the University of East Africa under a grant from the International Press Institute and obtained a diploma in journalism.
He later continued to support journalism development in Nigeria and across Africa.
During his reign, he served as permanent vice-chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs and represented the council at the National Council of States.
He also served on the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission between 1979 and 1983.
De Wheno Menu-Toyi I was honoured with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 1981.
