Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday led a high-powered delegation of dignitaries and residents to Badagry for the final funeral service of the late Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Babatunde Akran, held at the Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral.
The ceremony formed part of a 10-day series of elaborate burial rites celebrating the life and legacy of the 89-year-old monarch, who passed away in January 2026. The rites combined traditional customs, cultural displays, and state-level honours, reflecting the deep historical significance of the Badagry Kingdom.
The burial programme, which began on April 23, concluded with the church service and a grand reception attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and members of the community. The events were coordinated by the Lagos State Government alongside a planning committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
Preceding the final rites were several traditional ceremonies, including gun salutes across historic quarters, the sacred Iwure rituals, and the vibrant Ajogan royal parade—symbolizing the enduring heritage of the ancient kingdom.
Speaking during the service, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late monarch as a unifying figure and custodian of Badagry’s identity, noting that his reign was deeply woven into the kingdom’s historical narrative.
“We are not gathered here to mourn but to celebrate our revered monarch… His reign became inseparable from the story of Badagry itself,” he said, extending condolences to the royal family and the wider community.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and other officials also joined in prayers offered during the service, which was officiated at the cathedral.
Following the church service, guests proceeded to Badagry Grammar School for a reception featuring live music and cultural performances. Attendees were dressed in coordinated purple and white aso-ebi, adding colour and unity to the occasion.
The funeral programme also featured a series of community events in the days leading up to the final rites, including a novelty football match, sanitation exercises, a medical outreach at the Akran Palace, project inspections, a night of tributes, a Jumat service, and the Akran Legacy Festival.
A thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, while the burial ceremonies are expected to formally conclude on May 6 with final traditional rites, including the revered Zangbeto procession and other sacred cultural performances.
