History was made in Badagry, Lagos as the 5th Gagbo Menu Toyon of Ajido Kingdom, Dr. Michael Sonayon Kunnuji, officially took his seat at the Badagry Chieftaincy Council following his recognition by the state government.
 
The induction, which took place at the Badagry Local Council headquarters during the statutory meeting of the traditional rulers, signified a fusion of tradition and governance, with the Ajido monarch pledging to bring accountability, development, and global best practices to the grassroots.
 
Speaking after the session, Kunnuji emphasised the importance of truth, transparency, and service in traditional leadership. “It won’t be easy. The truth is always bitter, but I will always speak the truth. That is my number one goal,” he declared.
 
A Nigerian-born engineer and philanthropist with dual citizenship in Canada and the United States, he expressed readiness to leverage his international exposure to transform community governance.
 
“We’ve seen what governments do abroad – roads, healthcare, food systems, education. Those are the basics, and I intend to bring that mindset here,” the Gbagbo of Ajido said.
 
Kunnuji formally ascended the Gagbo stool over three years ago after a rigorous selection process and was celebrated in a grand traditional ceremony in Ajido, marked by cultural processions and rituals at the Osa Lagoon, amid wide community participation.

The state government’s official recognition paved the way for his recent inclusion in the council, marking a new chapter for the Ajido Kingdom. Gagbo Kunnuji, who had personally funded multiple development projects including electricity transformers, a skills acquisition centre, and scholarships, urged the people to hold leaders accountable.
 
“If a leader is mismanaging public funds, raise the alarm. It is the duty of the people to protect their community,” he said. Kunnuji’s induction was welcomed by fellow traditional rulers and dignitaries, who praised his development-driven approach and cultural loyalty, expressing hope that his voice within the council would inspire broader reforms across the region.