The King Kosoko Royal Family has formally declared veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Prince Jide Kosoko, as the Oloja of Lagos-elect, marking a new development in the long-running succession process to the historic title.
The declaration was made at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, where members of the royal family, traditional chiefs, and well-wishers gathered to witness the event. Jide Kosoko, who is 72 years old, was presented according to long-standing palace customs.
The stool of the Oloja of Lagos became vacant following the death of Chief Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017. Since then, the process of selecting a successor has been marked by delays and disagreements among branches of the King Kosoko Royal Dynasty.
At the ceremony, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, officially announced Kosoko as Oloja-elect. In keeping with tradition, she raised his hand before the gathering as a sign of affirmation and acceptance. The declaration was accompanied by prayers and traditional rites.
She was supported by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who is also the head of the Meshimo Ruling House. Palace sources described the event as peaceful and symbolic, stressing that it followed customs recognised within the King Kosoko Royal Family.
Supporters at the palace hailed the emergence of Jide Kosoko as a moment of unity and continuity for the family. Some described him as a respected figure with deep roots in Lagos history and culture.
However, the announcement has come at a time of renewed disagreement within the wider royal dynasty. Another branch of the family, the Akinsanya Olojo Family, has strongly opposed the development and continues to press for the installation of a different candidate.
The Akinsanya Olojo Family has appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve the installation of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as the Oloja of Lagos. According to them, Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was duly selected several years ago but has not been installed till date.
In a letter sent to the governor and copied to key state officials, the family argued that Abiola Olojo-Kosoko emerged through a proper and lawful process. The letter was also sent to the Secretary to the State Government, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, and the Council of Heads of the Kosoko Royal Family.
The General Secretary of the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House, Mr Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, said the family followed due process after the death of Chief Adebola Ige.
He explained that a 16-member committee was set up to guide the succession process and review the rules governing the selection of the Oloja of Lagos. According to him, the committee’s work was recognised by the King Kosoko Royal Family.
Mr Olojo-Kosoko said the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House was directed to present a nominee in line with customary and chieftaincy laws. He stated that screening and traditional interviews were held at the Kosoko Palace on October 7, 2020.
He said four aspirants took part in the process. They were Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, the late Shola Olojo-Kosoko, Issa Aregbesola, and Abiola Aromashodu of the Odunsi Ruling House.
According to him, after careful consideration, the kingmakers found Abiola Olojo-Kosoko to be the most qualified candidate. He said Abiola was declared Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, in line with the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1983 Registered Declaration.
Despite this, the installation has not taken place more than four years later. The Akinsanya Olojo Family said it sent a follow-up letter dated November 28, 2025, urging the state government to intervene and bring the matter to a conclusion.
The latest declaration of Jide Kosoko by the King Kosoko Royal Family has therefore added a new layer to the succession dispute. Observers say the matter may now require clearer intervention from the Lagos State Government to prevent further division within the royal house.
Under Lagos State law, the installation and recognition of traditional title holders require government approval after customary processes are completed. This makes the role of the governor and relevant ministries crucial in resolving chieftaincy disputes.
Meanwhile, Jide Kosoko is expected to undergo further traditional rites, including capping and formal installation by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, in line with palace traditions and state protocols.
Jide Kosoko is widely known across Nigeria as one of the most respected figures in the film industry. He began his acting career in 1964 as a child actor in the television production Makanjuola. Over the decades, he has featured in hundreds of films in both English and Yoruba languages.
He is also a filmmaker and cultural ambassador who has often spoken about Yoruba history, values, and traditions. Many of his supporters believe his cultural background and public standing make him suitable for a traditional role.
Born into the Kosoko royal lineage, Jide Kosoko is a graduate of Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology. Beyond acting, he has been involved in community and cultural activities for many years.
