Oloja of Lagos: How Jide Kosoko betrayed me, family

Prince Abiola Kosoko, one of the two claimants to the revered seat of Oloja of Lagos, has opened up about the lingering crisis within the Kosoko family.

According to him, the actions of popular Actor Jide Kosoko, who also claims to have been elected as Oloja of Lagos, amount to a serious breach of trust and betrayal.

Global Mirror News obtained the details from an interview originally conducted by Punch Newspaper, where Prince Abiola elaborated on the 1983 Oloja declaration and why Jide Kosoko’s claim to the stool is, according to him, disqualified.

A Prince of the Kosoko Dynasty

“I’m Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko. I’m of the seventh branch of the Kosoko dynasty family, a recognized ruling house. I am the first child of Akeem Olumide Olojo-Kosoko, who is the first child of Lawani Ashimi Olojo-Kosoko.”

Lawani Ashimi Olojo-Kosoko was the ninth child of Akinsanya and first son of Olojo, who in turn was the first son of Kosoko, a historic figure who lived and died in Benin City.

“The 1983 declaration followed a long chieftaincy inquiry from 1980, which invited all descendants of King Kosoko. That inquiry lasted over a month, and I still have the volume of these reports in the museum. The declaration laid the foundation for the Oloja of Lagos chieftaincy family.”

The Oloja Stool and Its History

The Oloja of Lagos stool has existed for over 200 years. King Kosoko became Oloja during his younger brother Idewu’s era. He managed commerce in Lagos, including the port, warehouses, and trade, while carrying the ceremonial Abere sceptre, comparable to the Ibia in Bini.

After Kosoko’s death in 1872, the stool remained vacant until Oteniya’s appointment in 1939. Aminu Muse Kosoko later became Oloja in the 1960s.

“By rotation, the Olojo branch, which I belong to, should now hold the position. This branch has never previously held the stool, and the most famous photographer in the family even stepped aside for Aminu’s crowning.”

Relationship with Jide Kosoko

“We were very close. He is someone I call egbon (elder brother). We shared family matters and plans. Even after he was pronounced Oloja, I reached out to him, but the palace decisions bypassed proper protocol, leaving me excluded despite years of preparation as Oloja-elect.

Opportunity to Prove His Claim

Prince Abiola insists he never got the chance to formally prove his claim.

“The Kosoko family concluded the internal process and sent the documents to the Local Government and relevant Ministries. The Oba of Lagos confirmed in April 2023 that he was aware of my Oloja-elect status. Yet, Jide Kosoko’s claim advanced without respecting the rotation protocol.”

Learning of Jide Kosoko’s Declaration

“In November 2025, I first heard rumors. I confronted him, attended family meetings, and learned that the Oba of Lagos intended to appoint him despite established protocols.”

Family Intervention

Elders in Prince Abiola’s branch, including Prince Abiodun and Prince Theophilus, nearly in their 80s, have taken the matter to court.

“They insist it is the Olojo branch’s turn to hold the stool. I have sought divine guidance while respecting family and legal processes.”

His Current Position

“I remain the Oloja-elect of Lagos. The dispute is ongoing in court. I trust that the judiciary will uphold justice and respect the proper chieftaincy succession principles.”