The Lagos State government has begun a high-level inspection of key facilities in Badagry ahead of the state burial of the late Akran, Aholu Menu-Toyi I.

The inspection was led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, alongside members of the central planning committee.

Speaking on Monday, Mrs Salu-Hundeyin described the ceremonies as both a state responsibility and a culturally significant obligation requiring meticulous planning and coordination.

“Well, the celebration of our father, the Akran, is a state event. That is why Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed this inspection,” she said.

She revealed that several sub-committees had been constituted and were holding regular meetings to ensure seamless execution of all aspects of the burial programme.

“I chair the central planning committee. Various sub-committees have been meeting consistently. This is not our first visit, and preparations are ongoing,” she added.

The inspection covered strategic venues, including the main reception ground, places of worship, memorial sites, and other critical infrastructure.

“Here is the main reception venue. We have also assessed the church, the memorial park, and the palace approved for reconstruction,” she explained.

She noted that while the palace may not be completed before the ceremonies, symbolic foundation-laying activities would form part of the programme.

“The construction may not finish before the event, but the Governor will lay the foundation for the palace and the memorial monument,” she said.

Mrs Salu-Hundeyin stressed that logistics were being strengthened to accommodate the large crowds expected at the historic ceremony.

“This is a huge event. Beyond being a state function, we must deliver a befitting ceremony in honour of our father,” she emphasised.

Highlighting Badagry’s heritage, she underscored its significance as a cradle of early Christianity and cultural history in West Africa.

“The church he attended is Nigeria’s first. It hosts the first storey building and marks where Christianity was first preached in West Africa,” she noted.

She reaffirmed the government’s deep respect for the late traditional ruler and its commitment to the development of the Badagry Division.

“Baba Akran was highly respected by the state. Badagry remains a division the Governor is deeply committed to,” she said.

The inspection team included local government leaders, lawmakers, community figures, and senior government officials involved in coordinating the ceremonies.

The week-long burial programme is scheduled for April 20 to 26, with the main event on April 25 at Badagry Grammar School.

A memorial service will precede the ceremony at Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral, marking a solemn tribute to the late traditional ruler. 

(NAN)