Jide Kosoko Named Oloja of Lagos-Elect

The King Kosoko Royal Family has formally declared veteran Nigerian actor and director Jide Kosoko, aged 72, as the Oloja of Lagos-elect. This announcement occurred on Monday at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, attended by hundreds of family members amid traditional rites and prayers.

Declaration Ceremony

Olori Ebi General Mutiat Ali-Balogun presented Kosoko, raising his hand in affirmation to his daughter, actress Sola Kosoko, per palace custom. She was assisted by Deputy Olori Ebi General Oyindamola Ayepola, Head of the Meshimo Ruling House. Ali-Balogun affirmed the selection followed due process, tradition, and law.​

Stool History

The Oloja stool has been vacant since Chief Adebola Ige’s death on December 23, 2017. A 16-member committee reviewed succession, screening four candidates from the Akinsanya Olojo Kosoko Ruling House in October 2020, including Abiola Olojo-Kosoko. Though Abiola was earlier named elect in 2020 amid installation delays and appeals to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the family has now endorsed Kosoko.​

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Next Steps

Kosoko awaits traditional installation and capping by Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, per Lagos traditions and protocols. This blends his royal heritage with a six-decade Nollywood career, starting as a child actor in 1964.

Kosoko’s Background

Prince Jide Kosoko, a Lagos royal descendant, holds a business administration degree from Yaba College of Technology. Known for Yoruba and English films, he bridges entertainment and tradition in this honor.