Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has been chosen as the Oloja of Lagos elect by the King Kosoko Royal Family.
Bellnews reports that the announcement was made on Monday at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, where members of the royal family gathered for the formal unveiling.
The presentation was led by the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, Mutiat Ali-Balogun.
As part of the tradition, she raised the hand of Kosoko’s daughter to affirm the family’s decision.
She was joined by the Deputy Olori Ebi General and head of the Meshimo Ruling House, Oyindamola Ayepola.
Members of the family said the selection followed laid-down customs and laws guiding the choice of a new Oloja of Lagos.
The stool has remained vacant since the death of Adebola Ige on December 23, 2017.
They explained that a 16-member committee was set up to manage the succession process.
In October 2020, the committee invited eligible princes from the Akinsanya Olojo Kosoko Ruling House to the palace for screening. Four princes took part in the process.
After several meetings and careful consideration, the committee agreed that Kosoko was the most suitable choice in line with tradition, the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law, and the 1983 Registered Declaration on succession.
After his selection, members of the ruling house said they made several moves to the Lagos State Government to seek approval for his installation and capping.
The next step is the traditional installation and capping ceremony, which is expected to be performed by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, in accordance with palace customs.
Kosoko, who is in his seventies, started his acting career as a child in 1964.
He has spent decades in theatre, film and television, building a strong career as an actor, director and producer.