The Akrans of Badagry Kingdom has existed for well over 500 years and the Royal History is rich compared to other towns of her age.
The monarchy of Badagry Kingdom has, from the earliest recorded period to the modern era, been headed by kings bearing the full sacred title De Wheno Aholu Akran, affirming continuity of land ownership, royal legitimacy, and ancestral authority.
Early and Pre-Colonial Era1. De Wheno Aholu Akran Gbafoe
Reigned: 1500 – 1625
2. De Wheno Aholu Akran Yeku
Reigned: 1625 – 1677
3. De Wheno Aholu Akran Pojegonwu
Reigned: 1677 – 1725
4. De Wheno Aholu Akran Jiwa I
Reigned: 1731 – 1779
5. De Wheno Aholu Akran Soba
Reigned: 1784 – 1841
6. De Wheno Aholu Akran Wrawuru
Reigned: 1841 (brief reign)
Historical Significance:
• Accepted Methodist missionary activities in Badagry
• Led to Christianity taking root in Nigeria
• Enabled the first Christmas celebration in Nigeria under the Agia Tree
• Influenced the construction of the First Storey Building in Nigeria, now a major tourist attraction
7. De Wheno Aholu Akran Yede
Reigned: 1841 – 1842
8. De Wheno Aholu Akran Zofun
Reigned: 1842 – 1847
9. De Wheno Aholu Akran Soton
Reigned: 1847 – 1849
10. De Wheno Aholu Akran Toyi
Reigned: 1849 – 1852
11. De Wheno Aholu Akran Mewu
Reigned: 1851 – 1876
• Signed the treaty abolishing the trans-Atlantic slave trade in Badagry
12. De Wheno Aholu Akran Poton
Reigned: 1863 – 1874
• Signed the Treaty of Cession linking Badagry to British colonial authority
13. De Wheno Aholu Akran Meje
Reigned: 1889 – 1910
• Opened a new market that strengthened Badagry’s commercial life
14. De Wheno Aholu Akran Kopon
Reigned: 1911 – 1941
15. De Wheno Aholu Akran Ajiyon-Kanho
Reigned: 1948 – 1954
16. De Wheno Aholu Akran Jiwa II (Oba C. D. Akran)
Reigned: 1958 – 1974
17. De Wheno Aholu Akran Menu-Toyi I
Crowned: 1977 and joined his ancestors 12 January 2026
• Born 18 September 1936
• Fifth child of De Wheno Aholu Ajiyon-Kanho
• Educated at Salvation Army Primary School (Lagos), Methodist School (Badagry), and Methodist Teachers’ College, Ifaki, Ekiti
• His reign ushered in peace, stability, and traditional expansion across Badagry.