Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday urged residents of Badagry to preserve the legacy of the late Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing the monarch as a symbol of unity, fairness and cultural heritage.

The governor made the call during a funeral outing thanksgiving service held in honour of the late traditional ruler at the Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral in Badagry.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Mr Sanwo-Olu said the monarch’s reign was defined by openness, justice and a strong connection with his people.

The event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and political leaders.

Following the service, the governor performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I Cultural Park, a project aimed at preserving the historical and cultural identity of Badagry.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the late monarch’s legacy of peace, dignity and cultural preservation should be sustained, noting that his 48-year reign remains one of the longest in Lagos State’s modern history. He urged residents to honour the monarch by upholding traditions, preserving heritage sites and promoting the history of the ancient town.

Reflecting on his interactions with the late ruler, the governor described him as a principled leader whose contributions to the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs were marked by wisdom and restraint.

He also extended condolences to the royal family and people of Badagry, encouraging them to uphold the values the monarch represented.

In his sermon, Sunday Ola Makinde, Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, described the late Akran as a hospitable and devoted leader, whose life reflected service to God and humanity.

Mr Makinde also commended ongoing infrastructure projects by the Lagos State Government, including the Blue and Red rail lines and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, while urging Bola Tinubu to disregard criticism of the proposed Badagry-Sokoto Expressway, describing it as necessary for national development.

The cleric further encouraged individuals to live purposeful lives, noting that personal values and actions ultimately define one’s legacy.