The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, has officially declared open a three-day capacity-building retreat organised by the Aholu of Dale-Whedako Kingdom, HRM Aholu Samuel Wheto-Sewhenu Toyon I, for members of the royal cabinet, Bales, and Chiefs of the kingdom.
The Chairman, who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Taiwo Towolawi, commended the monarch for what he described as a visionary and progressive initiative designed to strengthen governance structures within the traditional institution.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to Traditional Leadership
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Hunpe applauded HRM Aholu Sewhenu Toyon I for demonstrating exemplary leadership through the organisation of the retreat. He described the programme as a bold and trailblazing effort aimed at deepening knowledge, reinforcing accountability, and promoting excellence in traditional governance.
According to the Chairman, only a monarch genuinely committed to the growth and development of his domain would prioritise enlightenment and structured capacity-building for his royal council.
He noted that the retreat stands out as a pioneering initiative within Badagry Local Government – if not Lagos State – highlighting its significance in repositioning traditional leadership to align with evolving governance standards and legal frameworks.
Strengthening Knowledge of Chieftaincy Laws and Conduct
Hon. Hunpe urged participants, particularly members of the Dale-Whedako Royal Cabinet, to take full advantage of the retreat by enhancing their understanding of chieftaincy laws, ethics, customs, and administrative responsibilities.
He emphasized that traditional institutions remain critical pillars of community stability, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation. As such, equipping royal council members with up-to-date knowledge and best practices is essential for maintaining order, dignity, and effective leadership within their domains.
The Executive Chairman also recalled the monarch’s unprecedented gesture during his fifth coronation anniversary, where he invited him to commission newly constructed market stalls and shops – an initiative that blended cultural celebration with tangible economic development. He encouraged other traditional rulers to emulate the Dale-Whedako model by embracing innovation, structured learning, and progressive engagement.
Learning, Relearning, and Unlearning for Better Governance
Earlier in his remarks, HRM Aholu Sewhenu Toyon I expressed appreciation to Hon. Hunpe for honouring the invitation and for his continued support for traditional institutions across Badagry.
The monarch explained that the retreat was conceptualised to replicate similar capacity-building programmes previously organised by the Lagos State Government and Badagry Local Government, aimed at fostering continuous learning among leaders.
He stressed that effective traditional governance requires a shared understanding of established laws, ethical standards, and procedural guidelines. According to him, leadership demands the willingness to learn, relearn, and unlearn, especially in a rapidly changing socio-political environment.
HRM Aholu Sewhenu Toyon I further noted that it was only fitting for the Executive Chairman – whose administration has consistently championed structured governance and institutional development – to formally declare the retreat open. He expressed confidence that participants would leave the programme better equipped with relevant legal knowledge and leadership insights necessary to strengthen the kingdom’s administrative framework.
Reinforcing Collaboration Between Government and Traditional Institutions
The retreat underscores the growing synergy between Badagry Local Government and traditional institutions in fostering responsible leadership, community development, and cultural continuity.
Under the leadership of Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Local Government continues to support initiatives that promote institutional strengthening, knowledge-sharing, and progressive governance across all sectors – both modern and traditional.
The three-day retreat is expected to provide a robust platform for dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning, further positioning the Dale-Whedako Kingdom as a model of enlightened and accountable traditional administration within Badagry and beyond.
