Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a solemn call to service that comes with significant 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 new chapter in his public life beyond the film industry.
Speaking during to newsmen on Friday, the actor expressed excitement over the development, noting that he considers the selection well-deserved. He, however, did not clarify whether his new traditional role would have any impact on his acting career.
Reacting to the announcement, Nollywood actor and theatre practitioner Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko, describing the appointment as further proof that practitioners in the film industry are disciplined, responsible and relevant 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 now joins a growing list of entertainers who have taken up traditional leadership roles, following the coronation of comedian and actor Okey Bakassi as a monarch in his Imo State community last year.
The Oloja of Lagos stool had remained vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017.
The announcement of Kosoko’s emergence was made by Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, who publicly presented him to the gathering.
During the ceremony, she raised his hand before members of the royal family and guests, while traditional rites and prayers were performed. She was joined by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who also heads the Meshimo Ruling House.