The 72-year-old veteran actor was announced as the Oloja of Lagos-elect on January 24 following his presentation at the palace of the Elereko, ending years of vacancy in the traditional position.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Kosoko expressed excitement over the development, saying he believed he merited the selection. He, however, did not clarify whether the new role would affect his acting career in Nollywood.
Reacting to the announcement, Nollywood actor and President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko, describing his selection as a reflection of the responsibility and societal relevance of actors.
“Jide is not the only prince in Lagos or in the Kosoko family, but because of his level of intelligence and acceptability, he was selected as the Oloja of Lagos,” Amusan said.
Kosoko becomes the second Nollywood actor to ascend a traditional throne, after actor Okey Bakassi was crowned king of his community in Imo State last year.
The stool of the Oloja of Lagos had remained vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017. Kosoko’s emergence was formally declared by the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun.
In line with palace tradition, Ali-Balogun raised Kosoko’s hand before members of the royal family and other stakeholders, accompanied by traditional rites and prayers. She was supported by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who is also the head of the Meshimo Ruling House.
