The King Kosoko Royal Family has announced the selection of veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Jide Kosoko, as the Oloja of Lagos-elect. This development comes after the position was left vacant following the death of Chief Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017. The 72-year-old Kosoko was formally presented as Oloja-elect at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, in the presence of a large gathering of royal family members and well-wishers.
The declaration was made by the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, who raised Kosoko’s hand in affirmation before the assembly, accompanied by traditional rites and prayers. This move is in line with long-established palace customs. The announcement has been made amidst an ongoing succession dispute within the wider King Kosoko Royal Dynasty, with the Akinsanya Olojo Family appealing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve the installation of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos.
The Akinsanya Olojo Family has insisted that Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was selected as Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, but has yet to be installed more than four years later. The family has submitted a formal letter to the governor and key state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, to press for urgent government intervention. According to the General Secretary of the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House, Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, a 16-member committee was constituted to review the succession process after the death of Chief Ige.
The committee’s work led to the King Kosoko Royal Family directing the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House to present a nominee in line with customary and chieftaincy laws. Following screening and traditional interviews, Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was declared Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, in accordance with the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1983 Registered Declaration. Meanwhile, Jide Kosoko is expected to undergo traditional installation and capping by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, in line with established palace protocols and state traditions.
As a renowned actor and filmmaker, Kosoko has had a distinguished career spanning over five decades, featuring in numerous Nollywood films in both English and Yoruba languages. His selection as Oloja of Lagos-elect is seen as a significant development in the royal family’s history. The next steps in the installation process will be closely watched, given the ongoing succession dispute within the King Kosoko Royal Dynasty. The resolution of this dispute will be crucial in determining the future leadership of the royal family and its impact on the community.
