The Lagos State Government has unveiled a 10-day programme for the burial of the late Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Tovi I, who passed away on January 12.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed this on Saturday during a media briefing in Badagry, where she outlined activities scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 6.
Salu-Hundeyin, who also chairs the Central Planning Committee, said the state government was committed to giving the late monarch a befitting burial, noting that the timeline was carefully structured to align with traditional rites and official engagements.
According to her, the programme will commence on April 23 with traditional gun salutes, Iwure prayers and Ajogan parades across the eight quarters of Badagry, alongside prayers at the Akran Palace.
She added that a novelty football match would be held on April 24 at Badagry Grammar School in honour of the late monarch, while April 25 would feature community service, medical outreach and sanitation exercises across the town.
The SSG said days four to six would be dedicated to homage visits by corporate organisations, artisans, associations and other groups to the palace.
She further disclosed that April 29 would include inspection of key projects such as the Badagry Central Palace and Menu-Tovi I Square, as well as a procession organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Activities for April 30 will feature youth-focused events, including a night procession and tribute session at the palace.
On May 1, a Jumat service will be held at the Central Mosque, alongside the Akran Legacy Festival at the Marina, while May 2 will feature an interdenominational service at Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral.
The programme will also include a foundation-laying ceremony for Aholu Menu-Tovi I Park and a grand reception at Badagry Grammar School.
A thanksgiving service and reception are scheduled for May 3, while the final rites on May 6 will feature traditional performances, including Zangbeto displays, Hungan drumming and Oro rites.
Salu-Hundeyin urged residents and indigenes to participate actively in the events in honour of the late monarch.
Also speaking, a lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency I, Bonu Solomon, described the Akran Legacy Festival as a major highlight of the programme, noting that it would boost economic and social activities in the area.
Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Adeyinka Amosu, said the announcement had provided clarity on the burial arrangements, adding that the ceremonies would also draw attention to development in Badagry.
Traditional rulers, chiefs and members of the planning committee were present at the briefing.
