... Curfew Imposed, Movement Restricted Around Palace; Agbalata Market Shuts Tomorrow in Honour of the Late King
Badagry has been thrown into a sombre mood following the reported passing of the Akran of Badagry, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, at the age of 89.
According to reports, curfew and movement restrictions were immediately enforced around the monarch’s palace on Monday, while the historic town quietly observed traditional mourning protocols.
A visit to the palace area revealed road barricades, particularly from Agbalata through Topo Garage, limiting vehicle and motorcycle movement. Commuters were directed to take alternative routes leading to Agbalata Market.
Traditional Oro worshippers were reportedly performing age-old rites associated with the demise of a reigning monarch. Shops and residential buildings near the palace were closed, and movement was largely restricted to men, in line with longstanding customs.
At Agbalata Market, trading continued under a tense atmosphere. Several market women confirmed that the market would close on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in honour of the late king.
A Life of Service and Excellence
His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I was born on September 18, 1936, the fifth child of His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Ajiyon-Kanho, the 17th Akran of Badagry. He attended Salvation Army Primary School, Lagos; Methodist School, Badagry; and Methodist Teachers’ College, Ifaki, Ekiti.
Before ascending the throne, he worked as a teacher and later became a journalist, beginning his career in 1961 at the West African Pilot. He later joined Daily Sketch and The New Nigeria Newspapers, rising to Acting News Editor for the South.
His professional excellence earned him a grant from the International Press Institute, leading to a diploma with distinction from the University of East Africa, where he also jointly won a prize in Law of the Press. Throughout his life, he remained a strong advocate for journalism and media development in Nigeria and across Africa.
His appointment as Akran of Badagry was approved by the Lagos State Executive Council on October 7, 1976, and he was crowned on April 23, 1977, officially ascending the throne as De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
He served on the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission (1979–1983) and held several leadership roles as Grand Patron, Patron, and President of numerous social, charitable, and professional organisations.
Until his passing, he was Chairman of the Chieftaincy Committee in Badagry Local Government and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. In October 1990, he represented the council at the enlarged National Council of States in Abuja.
In recognition of his service to the nation, he was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) on March 7, 1981.
As Badagry mourns a monarch whose life bridged tradition, intellect, and public service, the town awaits official confirmation and further directives in line with royal customs.