Commercial activities were suspended at Agbalata International Market in Badagry on Thursday as Lagos State commenced burial rites for the late Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi I.
The monarch passed away on January 12, prompting the state government to organise a series of ceremonies to honour his life and traditional leadership within the Badagry community.
DAILY POST recalls that the Lagos State Government had earlier announced a 10-day programme for the burial rites.
Speaking during a media briefing in Badagry on April 18, the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who chairs the Central Planning Committee, said the activities would run from April 23 to May 6.
She said, “The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed to honouring the Akran befittingly.”
Ahead of the ceremonies, a town crier had on Wednesday moved round markets and residential quarters to announce the commencement of the rites and direct the temporary closure of Agbalata Market.
A visit to the area showed that shops and stalls remained shut throughout Thursday, leaving the usually busy market largely deserted.
Chief Tunde Giro, the Depegan of Badagry, said the market would reopen on Friday after the initial rites, noting that closures would only occur during key ceremonial periods due to the market’s economic importance to Badagry, Lagos State, and neighbouring areas.
Meanwhile, burial activities have begun at the palace, accompanied by ‘Ajogan’ dance displays across the eight quarters of Badagry.
Religious prayers are also ongoing, with Christian, Muslim and traditional worshippers offering supplications for the repose of the late monarch as the ceremonies continue.
