Jide Kosoko Emerges Oloja of Lagos-Elect, Describes Role as a Call to Service

Veteran Nollywood actor and respected cultural figure, Jide Kosoko, has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a solemn call to service, laden with deep cultural and communal responsibilities.

Kosoko, 72, was formally presented as Oloja-elect on January 24 at the palace of the Elereko of Lagos, marking a significant transition from a life largely defined by film, theatre, and cultural advocacy to one of traditional leadership.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the actor expressed excitement and gratitude over the development, stating that he considers the selection well-deserved. While he did not clarify whether the new role would affect his acting career, Kosoko acknowledged that the position comes with weighty expectations that extend beyond personal ambition.

Reacting to the announcement, Nollywood actor and theatre practitioner Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko and described his emergence as proof that professionals in the creative industry are disciplined, responsible, and valuable contributors to society.

“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 emergence also places him among a growing number of entertainers who have stepped into traditional leadership roles. This trend was recently highlighted by the coronation of comedian and actor Okey Bakassi as a monarch in his Imo State community.

The Oloja of Lagos stool had remained vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017, making Kosoko’s selection a significant moment in the city’s traditional history.

The announcement was made by Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, who formally presented Kosoko to members of the royal family and invited guests. During the ceremony, she raised his hand in public affirmation as traditional rites and prayers were conducted. She was joined by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who also heads the Meshimo Ruling House.

Opinion: When Culture Meets Character

Jide Kosoko’s emergence as Oloja of Lagos-elect is more than a ceremonial appointment—it is a powerful statement about leadership, character, and cultural continuity.

For decades, Kosoko has used film and theatre to tell stories rooted in Yoruba tradition, history, and moral values. His selection suggests that traditional institutions are increasingly recognising wisdom, integrity, and public trust over mere lineage alone. In a city as complex and culturally rich as Lagos, such qualities matter.

There is also a broader message here for Nigeria’s creative industry. Too often, entertainers are dismissed as mere performers, detached from serious leadership or civic responsibility. Kosoko’s elevation, like that of Okey Bakassi, challenges this stereotype and affirms that artists can be cultural custodians and community leaders.

At a time when many traditional institutions are struggling to remain relevant in modern society, figures like Jide Kosoko may offer a bridge between the past and the present—someone who understands heritage, yet speaks the language of today’s generation.

Ultimately, the Oloja of Lagos-elect now carries a legacy that goes beyond the screen. If his decades-long reputation for discipline, humility, and cultural advocacy is anything to go by, Lagos may be witnessing not just a new monarch-in-waiting, but a leader prepared to serve with wisdom and grace.