By RAJI RASAK

The Lagos State Government on Sunday inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to coordinate the final burial rites of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi I.

The ceremony, held at the Akran’s Palace, drew government officials, council chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies and stakeholders from Badagry Division.

Speaking, Mr Bolaji Kayode-Roberts, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, described the committee’s constitution as a sacred responsibility.

He stressed that the burial must be conducted with dignity, accountability, cultural sensitivity and zero politicisation.

“This is not an all-political affair. If this were our biological father, how befitting would we want the burial to be?” Kayode-Roberts said.

He cautioned members against financial impropriety, political interference or actions capable of undermining public confidence.

The commissioner assured that the state government and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu would provide full support for the burial arrangements.

Kayode-Roberts praised the immediate family of the late Akran and traditional chiefs for showing unity before and after the traditional ruler’s passing.

Co-Chairman of the committee, Mr Jimi Ahisu, said success would depend on unity, cooperation and divine guidance.

“I will be deceiving myself if I say this job will be easy, but with unity and cooperation, we will succeed,” Ahisu said.

He urged members to avoid politicisation, noting the committee would operate across four sectors to ensure inclusiveness, engagement and transparency.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Layode, stressed peace, orderliness and strict adherence to cultural norms.

Layode called for collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions to ensure a hitch-free and dignified burial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, with Ahisu as co-chairman.

NAN reports that Dr Olaide Messewaku, a retired permanent secretary and Awishe of Badagry, serves as secretary.

Kayode-Roberts, popularly known as Bibire, is a member, while High Chief Adeyinka Amosu heads Media and Outreach.

Other members include council chairmen, federal lawmakers, retired security chiefs, White Cap Chiefs, clerics and key stakeholders across Badagry. (NAN)