Veteran actor Jide Kosoko is named Oloja of Lagos-elect, ending years-long vacancy amid ongoing King Kosoko Royal Family succession dispute

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Kosoko has been named the Oloja of Lagos-elect by the King Kosoko Royal Family, filling a throne left vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017.

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The 72-year-old actor was formally presented at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, before a large gathering of royal family members and well-wishers.

The Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, raised Kosoko’s hand in affirmation during the ceremony, in accordance with long-standing palace customs.

Traditional prayers accompanied the rites, supported by Deputy Olori Ebi General Oyindamola Ayepola, who also heads the Meshimo Ruling House.

The announcement comes amid an ongoing succession dispute within the King Kosoko Royal Dynasty.

Another branch of the family, the Akinsanya Olojo Family, has been petitioning the Lagos State Government to install Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos.

In letters to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the family said Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was declared Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, but has not been installed more than four years later.

The Akinsanya Olojo Family’s stance was reaffirmed by Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, General Secretary of the ruling house.

He explained that a 16-member committee was formed following Chief Ige’s death to oversee succession, directing the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House to nominate a candidate in line with customary laws.

Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko said traditional interviews and screenings were conducted at Kosoko Palace on October 7, 2020, considering four aspirants: Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, the late Shola Olojo-Kosoko, Issa Aregbesola, and Abiola Aromashodu of the Odunsi Ruling House.

The kingmakers adjudged Abiola Olojo-Kosoko most qualified, citing compliance with the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1983 Registered Declaration.

Jide Kosoko, the newly declared Oloja-elect, is expected to undergo traditional installation and capping by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, following palace protocols and state traditions.

A graduate of Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology, Jide Kosoko began acting in 1964 as a child in the television production Makanjuola.