•Actor Jide Kosoko
Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a solemn call to service that comes with significant cultural and communal responsibilities.
The actor was last week announced by the King Kosoko Royal Family as the new Oloja-elect of Lagos.
The Royal Family, last Saturday, presented the 72-year-old at the palace of the Elereko of Lagos, ending an eight-year stalemate in selecting a new Oloja to fill the vacant position following the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017.
Mrs. Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, announced the decision and presented Jide Kosoko to the community. Alongside Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, she performed the traditional rites and prayers to seal the appointment.
Speaking yesterday, Kosoko expressed his excitement, noting that the selection felt appropriate and a “call to service” with exceptional responsibilities. The new Oloja-elect of Lagos, however, has yet to state how this traditional office will affect his long-standing career in film.
Nollywood actor Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, viewed the appointment as a nod to the character of those within the Nigerian film industry.
“Jide is not the only prince in Lagos or in the Kosoko family, but because of his intelligence and respect in the community, he was chosen as Oloja of Lagos,” Amusan said.
Kosoko’s new path mirrors a broader trend of entertainers entering traditional governance. He follows comedian Okey Bakassi, who was crowned a monarch in Imo State last year. For Kosoko, the role represents a shift toward cultural and communal duty.
