Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Kosoko has been officially declared the Oloja of Lagos-elect by the King Kosoko Royal Family.
The announcement was made at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, where the 72-year-old screen legend was formally presented before a large gathering of family members and well-wishers.
The declaration was led by the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, who raised Kosoko’s hand in affirmation in line with palace customs. The moment was accompanied by traditional rites and prayers. She was supported by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who also heads the Meshimo Ruling House.
The royal seat became vacant following the passing of Chief Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017.
However, Kosoko’s emergence comes amid an ongoing succession disagreement within the larger King Kosoko Royal Dynasty. Another branch, the Akinsanya Olojo Family, has continued to push for the installation of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos.
In previous correspondence to the Lagos State Government, the family maintained that Abiola Olojo-Kosoko had been selected as Oloja-elect as far back as December 12, 2020, but had yet to be installed.
Despite the dispute, palace sources say Jide Kosoko is expected to undergo traditional installation and capping by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, in accordance with long-standing customs and state chieftaincy procedures.
Beyond the palace, Kosoko is widely respected in Nigeria’s film industry. A graduate of Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology, he began acting in 1964 as a child performer in the television production Makanjuola. Over the decades, he has become one of Nollywood’s most recognised faces, starring in numerous Yoruba and English-language films.
Now, the veteran actor appears set to take on a new title; not on screen, but in the heart of Lagos royalty.