Veteran Nollywood actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, has described his selection as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a “call to service,” saying the role comes with enormous responsibility and commitment to tradition and community development.
The 72-year-old actor was announced as the Oloja of Lagos-elect on January 24, 2026, following his formal presentation at the palace of the Elereko of Ereko. The announcement marked a significant moment in the long-standing royal history of the Kosoko family.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Kosoko expressed excitement over the development and said he believed he merited the selection. He noted that the position was not one to be taken lightly, describing it as a service to the people rather than a personal honour. He, however, did not clarify whether his new traditional role would affect his long-running acting career in the Nigerian film industry.
Reacting to the development, President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko and described the selection as well deserved. According to him, the development reflects the growing recognition of Nollywood actors as responsible individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.
“Jide is not the only prince in Lagos or in the Kosoko family, but because of his intelligence, maturity and acceptability, he was selected as the Oloja of Lagos,” Amusan said.
Kosoko becomes the second Nollywood actor to ascend a traditional throne in recent years, following actor Okey Bakassi, who was crowned king of his community in Imo State in 2025.
The position of Oloja of Lagos became vacant after the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017. The declaration of Kosoko as Oloja-elect was made by the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, in line with established palace customs, supported by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, head of the Meshimo Ruling House.
