Jide Kosoko emerges Oloja of Lagos-elect as faction presents rival candidate

The Kosoko Royal Family has announced veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Jide Kosoko, as the Oloja of Lagos-elect

The stool became vacant following the death of Chief Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017.

Kosoko, 72, was formally presented as the Oloja-elect at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, before 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, in line with long-established palace customs.

During the ceremony, she raised Kosoko’s hand in affirmation, accompanied by traditional rites and prayers.

She was supported by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who also heads the Meshimo Ruling House.

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

Another branch of the royal family, the Akinsanya Olojo Family, has appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve the installation of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos.

In December 2025, the Akinsanya Olojo Family maintained 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 General Secretary of the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House, Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, reaffirmed the family’s position, stating that a follow-up letter dated November 28, 2025, was submitted to press for urgent government intervention.

According to him, the King Kosoko Royal Family later directed the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House to present a nominee in line with customary and chieftaincy laws.

Screening and traditional interviews reportedly held at the Kosoko Palace on October 7, 2020, featured four aspirants: Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, the late Shola Olojo-Kosoko, Issa Aregbesola, and Abiola Aromashodu of the Odunsi Ruling House.

He said the kingmakers subsequently adjudged Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as the most qualified and declared him Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, in accordance with the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1983 Registered Declaration.