Badagry marketplace closes down amid start of Akran's funeral ceremonies in Lagos

Commercial activities at Agbalata International Market in Badagry came to a standstill on Thursday, as the Lagos State government initiated burial rites for the late Akran, Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who passed away on January 12. This development was part of a state-backed programme aimed at honouring the traditional ruler's life and authority within the Badagry community.

The Lagos government had previously announced a 10-day burial programme for the late ruler, with Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosing this information during a media briefing in Badagry on April 18.

As the chair of the Central Planning Committee, Salu-Hundeyin revealed that the ceremonies would take place from April 23 to May 6, underscoring the Lagos State Government's commitment to honouring the Akran befittingly under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration.

A town crier had taken to the streets on Wednesday, visiting markets and quarters to announce the commencement of the burial rites and ordering the temporary closure of Agbalata Market, which resulted in stalls and shops remaining shut throughout Thursday.

The usual bustle of the market was noticeably absent, with the area left deserted, as observed by a NAN correspondent, and according to Chief Tunde Giro, the 'Depegan' of Badagry, the market would reopen on Friday following the initial rites.

Giro explained that the market's closure would be limited to special rites, considering its significance to Badagry, Lagos, and other parts of the country, in order to minimize disruptions to trade and commerce.

Some traders expressed frustration upon arriving at the market, only to find it closed, with Mr Joseph Edwin, a fish trader from Mile 12, stating that he had not received any prior notice before travelling to Badagry.

Edwin suggested that the authorities should make announcements on radio and television to inform a wider audience, not just traders within the market, to prevent similar situations in the future.

Meanwhile, the burial rites have commenced at the palace, featuring 'Ajogan' dance parades across the eight quarters of Badagry, with Christian, Muslim, and traditional worshippers offering prayers for the late traditional ruler as the ceremonies continue.