The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the people of Badagry to preserve the legacy of the Akran of Badagry, His Imperial Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I.

He said the “Akran of Badagry was a constant, an unshakeable figure of unity, whose palace was always open to his people and whose voice was always measured, always just.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Saturday during the funeral outing thanksgiving service held in honour of the Akran of Badagry, His Imperial Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, at Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Badagry.

The service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; members of the State Executive Council; serving and former public office holders; politicians; religious and traditional leaders; deceased family members, security personnel, and Badagry sons and daughters.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, after the service, also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I Cultural Park in Badagry.

The Governor said the revered traditional ruler left this world with a name that will endure a name synonymous with peace, with dignity, and with the timeless heritage of the Badagry Kingdom.

He said: “To the good people of Badagry, I say this: your Kabiyesi lived a life worthy of celebration. He was a teacher, a journalist, a king, a statesman, a father, and a guardian of one of the most storied kingdoms in Nigeria’s history. He gave you fortyeight years of peace.

He gave the world a record of your heritage. He gave God a life of service. “Do not let grief consume what he built.

The best tribute you can offer the Akran of Badagry is to continue the work, to preserve the monuments, uphold the traditions, welcome the world to witness Badagry’s history, and raise your children to know the covenant of this ancient land.