Veteran Nollywood Actor Jide Kosoko Declared Oloja of Lagos-Elect
The King Kosoko Royal Family has officially announced veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Kosoko as the Oloja of Lagos-elect, marking a significant development in Lagos traditional leadership. This declaration ends years of vacancy in the prestigious position following the death of Chief Adebola Ige in December 2017.
Traditional Declaration at King Kosoko Palace
The solemn announcement was made at the historic King Kosoko Palace located on Ereko, Lagos Island, where Kosoko was presented before a substantial gathering of royal family members and supporters. Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, serving as the Olori Ebi General of the Royal Family of King Kosoko, formally declared the 72-year-old actor as the Oloja-elect.
In accordance with long-standing palace traditions and customs, Ali-Balogun raised Kosoko's hand in affirmation before the assembly, surrounded by ancient rituals and prayers. The ceremony received support from Oyindamola Ayepola, the Deputy Olori Ebi General and leader of the Meshimo Ruling House, who backed the declaration.
Ongoing Succession Conflict Within Royal Dynasty
This development occurs against the backdrop of an ongoing succession dispute within the broader King Kosoko Royal Dynasty. The Akinsanya Olojo Family, representing another branch of the royal lineage, has previously urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to support the appointment of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos.
According to family records, the Akinsanya Olojo Family asserted that Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was selected as Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, but has remained uninstalled for more than four years. Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, General Secretary of the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House, explained that following Chief Ige's death, a 16-member committee was established to examine the succession process.
The committee reportedly screened four candidates at the Kosoko Palace on October 7, 2020:
- Abiola Olojo-Kosoko
- The late Shola Olojo-Kosoko
- Issa Aregbesola
- Abiola Aromashodu from the Odunsi Ruling House
Kingmakers subsequently determined Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as the most qualified candidate, declaring him Oloja-elect in compliance with the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1983 Registered Declaration.
Jide Kosoko's Background and Anticipated Installation
Jide Kosoko, a business administration graduate from Yaba College of Technology, began his acting career in 1964 as a child actor in the television series Makanjuola. He has since established himself as one of Nigeria's most respected screen veterans, appearing in countless Nollywood productions in both English and Yoruba languages.
The veteran actor is now anticipated to be formally installed and crowned by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, following established palace procedures and state customs. This installation would represent a significant transition for Kosoko from celebrated entertainment figure to traditional leader.
The declaration has generated substantial public interest and discussion, particularly within entertainment and traditional circles, as it represents a unique intersection of Nollywood celebrity and traditional chieftaincy in Nigeria's cultural landscape.
