Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Kosoko has been announced as the Oloja of Lagos-elect, the King Kosoko Royal Family confirmed at a ceremony in Ereko, Lagos Island. Kosoko, 72, was formally presented in the presence of royal family members and well-wishers, following the death of Chief Adebola Ige in December 2017.
The announcement was made by Olori Ebi General, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, who, in accordance with palace customs, raised Kosoko’s hand in affirmation. The declaration was supported by Deputy Olori Ebi General Oyindamola Ayepola, head of the Meshimo Ruling House, accompanied by traditional rites and prayers.
Kosoko’s selection comes amid an ongoing succession dispute within the wider King Kosoko Royal Dynasty. The Akinsanya Olojo Family, another branch of the royal house, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve the installation of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos. The family claims Abiola was previously selected as Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, but has yet to be installed over four years later.
The Akinsanya Olojo Family reiterated its position through a letter to the governor in December 2025, copied to key state officials including the Secretary to the State Government, the Attorney-General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, General Secretary of the family, explained that a 16-member committee had reviewed the succession process following Chief Ige’s death. Four aspirants were interviewed at Kosoko Palace on October 7, 2020—Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, the late Shola Olojo-Kosoko, Issa Aregbesola, and Abiola Aromashodu of the Odunsi Ruling House—with Abiola Olojo-Kosoko adjudged most qualified.
Meanwhile, Jide Kosoko is expected to undergo traditional installation and capping by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, in line with palace protocols and state traditions.
A graduate of Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology, Kosoko began his acting career in 1964 as a child actor in the television production Makanjuola. He has featured in numerous Nollywood films in both English and Yoruba, earning recognition as one of Nigeria’s most respected screen veterans.
The selection of Kosoko highlights the intersection of royal traditions and contemporary cultural influence, as Nigeria’s entertainment icons increasingly play prominent roles in civic and ceremonial life.
