Veteran Nollywood Star Jide Kosoko Declared Oloja of Lagos-elect Amid Royal Succession Dispute

King Kosoko Royal Family presents Jide Kosoko as Oloja-elect at Ereko Palace, Lagos Island, sparking tensions with rival branch over succession.

The King Kosoko Royal Family has announced veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Jide Kosoko, as the Oloja of Lagos-elect, filling a position left vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017.

Kosoko, 72, was formally presented as Oloja-elect at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, during a ceremony attended by royal family members and well-wishers. The Olori Ebi General, Mrs. Mutiat Ali-Balogun, raised Kosoko’s hand in affirmation, accompanied by traditional rites and prayers, with support from Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola.

Royal Succession Controversy
The announcement comes amid a longstanding succession dispute within the broader King Kosoko Royal Dynasty. The Akinsanya Olojo Family, a rival branch, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to recognise Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos.

The Akinsanya Olojo faction maintains that Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was selected as Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, following a screening process at Kosoko Palace, but has yet to be installed more than four years later. Formal letters requesting state approval for his installation were sent in 2025 to the Governor and key state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The General Secretary of the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House, Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, reaffirmed that their nominee was selected in accordance with customary and chieftaincy laws, and called for urgent government intervention.

Next Steps for Kosoko
Jide Kosoko is expected to undergo traditional installation and capping by Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, following 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 since featured in numerous Nollywood films in both English and Yoruba, earning acclaim as one of Nigeria’s most respected screen veterans.