JUST IN: Akran of Badagry joins his ancestors at 89 years of age
JUST IN: Akran of Badagry joins his ancestors at 89 years of age
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Akran of Badagry, Oba Aholu Menu-Toyi Babatunde.
The governor described the Oba’s passing as a painful loss to Badagry, the state and the nation at large.
In a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor expressed his condolences over the passing of the Akran.
He said the Oba’s transition marked the end of an era defined by wisdom, cultural preservation and unwavering commitment to the development of Badagry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the revered traditional ruler, a prominent member of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, died on Monday after a brief illness.
He reigned as the Akran of the ancient Badagry Kingdom for nearly 49 years.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the late Akran was not only a custodian of tradition but also a bridge between heritage and modern development.
He added that his influence extended beyond Badagry to Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
According to the governor, the traditional ruler rendered selfless service to his people and left behind a legacy of unity, peace and progress.
He described the traditional ruler as a stabilising force who brought together diverse interests within the kingdom.
He added that the late Akran consistently promoted Badagry’s rich historical sites and cultural festivals, both nationally and internationally, thereby boosting tourism and cultural exchange.
“On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos State, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the royal family, friends, associates and traditional institutions on the transition of the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom.
“The Akran, Oba Babatunde Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, was the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that the late Oba, who was also a respected journalist, made remarkable contributions to the growth and development of his community and used his position as a first-class traditional ruler to attract development to the ancient town.
Sanwo-Olu urged the royal family, subjects and the entire people of Badagry to immortalise the late Akran by upholding the values he stood for and sustaining his vision for unity and progress.
He prayed that God would grant the royal family, the people of Badagry Kingdom and Lagos State the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
NAN District Correspondent, who visited the palace in Badagry, reports that traditional rulers and chiefs were present, mourning the demise of the late Akran.
NAN also reports that sons and daughters of the late king were at the palace, with some seen openly weeping.
A traditional chief, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Akran passed on at about 1:30 a.m., but confirmation of his death was made at about 5:30 a.m.
“The Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, has been informed, and we hope he will relay the information to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for an official announcement.
“That is why many of us are seated here at the palace to receive visitors.
“The Akran has gone to rest with his great ancestors,” he said.
NAN reports that several traditional rulers and chiefs visited the palace to hold consultation ahead of the official announcement of the passing of the late Akran.
NAN further reports that the late monarch was born on Sept. 18, 1936, the fifth child of His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Ajiyon-Kanho, the 17th Akran of Badagry.
He had his formal education at Salvation Army Primary School, Lagos; Methodist School, Badagry; and Methodist Teachers’ College, Ifaki, Ekiti (1956–1957).
A royal figure of many parts, the late Akran was initially a teacher and taught in various schools within the Badagry Division.
His appointment as the Akran of Badagry was approved by the Executive Council of the Lagos State Government on Oct. 7, 1976.
He ascended the throne of his forebears during a coronation ceremony held on April 23, 1977, where he was crowned and assumed the royal title De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, in accordance with tradition(NAN)
News
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
The Police Command in Rivers on Wednesday, said it has arrested an alleged notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, stating that the suspect was arrested on Jan. 10.
She said that the suspect aged 30, was identified as the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, that coordinated several abductions for ransom across the state.
According to her, the suspect who is responsible for multiple kidnappings along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit.
“The suspect was planning to relocate his operational armoury and camp to Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road in Eleme Local Government Area before his arrest,” she said.
She said that the recovered items include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 2125 and two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition.
The spokesperson said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect voluntarily confessed to being the ringleader of the kidnapping syndicate.
According to her, the suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. (NAN)
News
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that the death of Aishatu Umar, a five-time mother, resulted from professional lapses at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government health facility in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, an internal probe initiated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that medical staff failed to remove surgical scissors from the patient’s body after an operation, a mistake that proved fatal.
Following the findings, the Board ordered the suspension of three staff members connected to the procedure, barring them from all clinical responsibilities with immediate effect.
The case has also been handed over to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee, which will conduct a more detailed inquiry and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations and ethical guidelines.
“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.
Aishatu Umar reportedly died after complications arising from a surgery in which surgical scissors were allegedly left in her abdomen.
Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she repeatedly complained of worsening health conditions after the operation, but her concerns were not adequately addressed before her death.
The tragedy has triggered widespread anger among Kano residents, drawing attention to systemic weaknesses in supervision and accountability within public hospitals.
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Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
The Anambra Police Command says it has detained a masquerade, allegedly involved in unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu Community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the incident happened on Monday.
“The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the people of Anambra and other concerned persons, that it has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens.
“The act led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North LGA.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
He described the conduct by the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, as “unacceptable, unlawful, and would not be tolerated under any guise”.
An eyewitness in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the masquerade, accompanied by some youths, went out of its way to attack unsuspecting members of the public and destroyed people’s property.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said that the incident occurred during the last “Ofala” festival in honour of the late Traditional Ruler of Awgbu, Igwe Michael Okechukwu.
NAN reports that the festival was supposed to be a solemn cultural and symbolic celebration of the life and reign of the late monarch. (NAN)
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