LAGOS ISLAND, NIGERIA — The King Kosoko Royal Family has officially declared veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Prince Abdulrafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko, as the Oloja of Lagos-elect. The historic announcement, made on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, marks the first step in filling a stool that has been vacant for over eight years.
The Official Proclamation
The 72-year-old screen icon was presented to a large gathering of family members at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko. The declaration was led by Mrs. Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, who traditionally raised Kosoko’s hand in affirmation.
The move was supported by Alhaja Oyindamola Ayepola, Head of the Meshimo Ruling House. Kosoko, a descendant of the legendary King Kosoko (the 10th King and 1st Oloja of Lagos), now awaits formal capping by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu.
The Succession Conflict: A Two-Way Claim
While the Ereko palace celebrated, another branch of the dynasty—the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House—is contesting the move.
- The Rival Claim: The Akinsanya branch insists that Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko was already selected as the Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020.
- The Appeal: Led by General Secretary Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, the family has petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene. They argue that they followed all 1983 Registered Declaration guidelines and that the four-year delay in Abiola’s installation is an “imposition” attempt.
- Legal Context: Prince Abiola has previously filed fundamental rights suits against the police and the Oba of Lagos, citing harassment related to ancestral land and the Oloja title.
Jide Kosoko: From Child Actor to Oloja-Elect
Before this royal appointment, Jide Kosoko built a formidable 60-year legacy in Nigeria’s film industry.
- Early Start: Began as a child actor in 1964 in the TV production Makanjuola.
- Education: Holds a degree in Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology.
- Career: A bridge-builder in Nollywood, featuring in hundreds of English and Yoruba language films and serving as a mentor to the younger generation.
What’s Next?
The installation of an Oloja is a critical process in the Akarigbere (White Cap Chiefs) hierarchy of Lagos. All eyes are now on the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to see if they will ratify Jide Kosoko’s selection or address the formal petition filed by the Akinsanya Olojo branch.
