Lagos Govt Inaugurates Central Committee For Akran Of Badagry’s Final Burial Rites

Lagos State government on Sunday inaugurated a 51-member Central Planning Committee to coordinate the final burial rites of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi I.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Akran’s Palace, brought together government officials, council chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies and key stakeholders from the Badagry Division.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Kayode-Roberts, described the assignment as a sacred responsibility, stressing that the burial must be conducted with dignity, accountability, cultural sensitivity and zero politicisation.

“This is not an all-political affair. If this were our biological father, how befitting would we want the burial to be?” he said, cautioning members against financial impropriety, political interference or actions capable of undermining public confidence.

Kayode-Roberts assured that the state government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would provide full support for seamless arrangements, while commending the late monarch’s family and traditional chiefs for their unity.

Co-Chairman of the committee, Mr Jimi Ahisu, said success would depend on unity, cooperation and divine guidance, noting that the committee would operate across four sectors to ensure inclusiveness and transparency.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Layode, emphasised peace, orderliness and strict adherence to cultural norms, calling for collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, with Ahisu as co-chairman, Dr Olaide Messewaku as secretary, and other members drawn from government, traditional institutions and key stakeholders across Badagry.