Lagos: The Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Setonji David, has mourned the passing of Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry.
The monarch died on Monday at the age of 89.
David, representing Badagry II, conveyed his condolences in a message to journalists at the Assembly Complex in Lagos on Tuesday.
He said the news of the monarch’s passing was received with shock.
David added that Oba Menu-Toyi I would be remembered as a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values who gave his best while on the throne of his forefathers.
The lawmaker described the late monarch as one of the most respected traditional rulers in the state.
He said, “The paramount ruler of Badagry was a father to all of us throughout the Badagry division.
“There are five divisions, and he was the Vice Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers. His death is a great loss to us.
“Although he reached the age of 89, our prayer was for him to live even longer, but God knows why he had to go now.
“He was our father in terms of culture, and we truly loved him. We will miss him greatly.
“He reigned on the throne for almost 50 years, and we will miss his benevolence, his desire to make Badagry a better place, and his commitment to positively impacting everyone.
“He was an apostle of inter-ethnic understanding and cohesion, inter-religious tolerance, and inter-cultural cooperation.”
David said the deceased occupied a position of great importance in both ancient and contemporary history, serving as a witness to remarkable peace and stability.
He urged the people of Badagry to work towards immortalising the late monarch in recognition of his service and contributions.
The lawmaker prayed that Almighty God would grant the royal family, the people of Badagry Kingdom, and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
