Jide Kosoko Named Oloja-Elect Amid Lagos Royal Succession Dispute

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Kosoko has been announced as the Oloja-elect of Lagos by the King Kosoko Royal Family, amid an ongoing dispute over royal succession within the dynasty.
The Oloja stool became vacant following the death of Chief Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017. Kosoko, aged 72, was formally presented on Sunday at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, during a gathering attended by royal family members and supporters.
The declaration was made by the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, who performed traditional rites and prayers before raising Kosoko’s hand in accordance with palace customs. The ceremony was also backed by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who leads the Meshimo Ruling House.
However, the announcement has intensified a succession disagreement within the broader King Kosoko Royal Dynasty. A rival faction, the Akinsanya Olojo Family, has urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve the installation of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos.
The Akinsanya Olojo Family had earlier claimed that Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was selected as Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, but had not been installed more than four years later. In December 2025, the family submitted a formal petition to the state government and relevant authorities, calling for official recognition of their nominee.
According to Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, General Secretary of the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House, a 16-member committee was established after Chief Ige’s death to oversee the succession process. He stated that the King Kosoko Royal Family later directed their ruling house to present a candidate in line with traditional and legal guidelines.
He explained that screening and traditional interviews were conducted at the Kosoko Palace on October 7, 2020, involving four aspirants, after which the kingmakers declared Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as Oloja-elect in accordance with Lagos State chieftaincy laws and the 1983 Registered Declaration.
Meanwhile, Jide Kosoko is expected to undergo traditional installation and capping by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, following established palace and state protocols.