- Veteran Nollywood actor, Jide Kosoko has described his experience of starring as Lagos elector Oloja as a call to service.
- The 72-year-old made his official debut at Eleleko Palace in Lagos, ending years of vacancy in the seat.
- Colleagues hailed the appointment as recognition of his character and contribution.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Jide Kosoko has described his election to Oloja, Lagos as a solemn call to service that also comes with a deep cultural and community responsibility.
Kosoko, 72, was officially elected as the Oloha electorate on January 24 at Eleleko Palace in Lagos, marking an important new phase in his public life outside the film industry.
The actor expressed excitement about the development in an interview with reporters on Friday and said he believed his selection was well-deserved. However, he did not say whether traditional roles would affect his acting career.
In response to the news, Nollywood actor and theater practitioner Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin, congratulated Kosoko, saying the appointment proved that practitioners in the creative industry are disciplined, responsible and contribute to society.
“Jide was not the only prince in the Lagos or Kosoko family, but he was chosen as the Oloha of Lagos because of his intelligence and the respect of the community,” Amusan said.
Following the crowning of comedian and actor Okey Bakassi as monarch in the Imo State community last year, Kosoko now joins the growing list of Nigerian artistes occupying traditional leadership roles.
The Oloha seat in Lagos has been vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017. General Olori Ebi of the Kosoko Royal Family, Mrs. Mutiyat Ali-Balogun, officially announced Kosoko’s presence and formally introduced Kosoko to members of the royal family and invited guests.
During the ceremony, Ali-Balogun raised Kosoko’s hand in recognition while performing traditional rituals and prayers. She was joined by Olori Ebi’s Vice-General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who is also the President of the Messimo Rule House.
