“A Call to Service” – Jide Kosoko speaks on becoming the Oloja of Lagos-elect.

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a serious call to service that comes with strong cultural and community responsibilities.

The 72-year-old actor was formally presented as Oloja-elect on January 24 at the palace of the Elereko of Lagos, marking a new chapter in his public life beyond the film industry. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Kosoko said he was excited about the development and believes the selection was well deserved. However, he did not state whether the traditional role would affect his acting career.

Reacting to the announcement, Nollywood actor and theatre practitioner Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko and described the appointment as proof that people in the creative industry are disciplined, responsible, and valuable members of society. He noted that although there are many princes in Lagos and within the Kosoko family, Jide Kosoko was chosen because of his intelligence and the respect he commands in the community.

Kosoko’s emergence places him among a growing number of Nigerian entertainers taking up traditional leadership roles. This follows the coronation of comedian and actor Okey Bakassi as a monarch in his Imo State community last year.

The Oloja of Lagos stool had been vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017. Kosoko’s emergence was officially announced by Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, who presented him to members of the royal family and invited guests. During the ceremony, she raised his hand in recognition, while traditional rites and prayers were performed, alongside the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who is also the head of the Meshimo Ruling House.