In the ancient coastal city of Èkó, where the lagoon whispers the memories of kings and warriors, history once again turns a sacred page. The declaration of Prince Abdulrafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos-elect by the Kosoko Royal Family is not merely a royal announcement; it is the symbolic convergence of heritage, service, culture, and destiny.
Born into royalty yet shaped by the people, Jide Kosoko’s life reflects the enduring Yoruba belief that “ọba kì í ṣe ọmọlúàbí nìkan, ó gbọd jẹ́ ọmọ ènìyàn”, a king must belong to the people.
Prince Jide Kosoko is a direct descendant of King Kosoko, the 19th-century warrior-king of Lagos whose reign shaped the political and cultural identity of Èkó. The Kosoko dynasty remains one of the most prominent ruling houses in Lagos traditional history.
Raised within the values of royalty, discipline, and communal responsibility, Prince Kosoko was groomed early to understand the weight of tradition, the sanctity of customs, and the moral burden carried by royal blood. Yet, unlike many princes who remain within palace walls, his life journey led him deep into the heart of the Nigerian people.
Born in Lagos, Prince Abdulrafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko grew up in a culturally vibrant environment that blended palace discipline with everyday urban life. From childhood, he was exposed to Yoruba traditions, oral history, and the performing arts, an exposure that would later define his public identity.
Rather than retreat into aristocratic comfort, he embraced a path of self-expression, public engagement, and cultural advocacy, believing that leadership begins with understanding society from within.
In keeping with his family’s emphasis on education and self-development, Prince Kosoko pursued formal education in Lagos: He completed his primary education in Lagos, where he received foundational training in literacy, discipline, and civic values.
He undertook his secondary education in Lagos State as well, during in which his interest in drama, literature, and cultural expression began to flourish.
For his tertiary education, he attended Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions, where he studied Business Administration. His education, however, equipped him with administrative insight, organizational skills, and leadership competence, qualities vital for both public life and traditional governance.
Prince Jide Kosoko’s name is etched permanently into the annals of Nigerian theatre and film history. Beginning his acting career as a child actor in the 1960s, he became one of the pioneers of Yoruba television drama and later Nollywood.
Over several decades, he featured in hundreds of stage plays, television dramas, and films, earning respect for his versatility, discipline, and cultural authenticity. His performances often reflected deep moral lessons, Yoruba values, and societal consciousness.
As an actor, director, producer, and mentor, he became a custodian of Yoruba language and folklore, bridge between traditional theatre and modern Nollywood, a respected elder statesman in Nigeria’s creative industry and his career was never merely entertainment, it was cultural preservation in motion.
Beyond the screen and stage, Prince Kosoko has lived a life of active social engagement. He was known for his accessibility, humility, and openness, he maintains strong ties with traditional institutions, creative communities, youth groups, and cultural organizations.
He has consistently used his platform to advocate for cultural revival, promote Yoruba language and values, mentor younger generations in the arts and speak on national unity, morality, and social responsibility.
As a family man, he upholds strong traditional values, balancing royal dignity with modern family life, an embodiment of continuity between past and present.
With his declaration as Oloja of Lagos-elect, Prince Jide Kosoko steps into a sacred office that transcends title. Traditionally, the Oloja of Lagos is:
A custodian of ancestral land and customs
A guardian of indigenous Lagos interests
A cultural bridge between palace, people, and government
A symbol of unity among the Isale Èkó communities
As Oloja-elect, his responsibilities include:
Preserving Lagos indigenous heritage amid urban expansion
Representing the historical voice of Èkó within traditional councils
Supporting peace, cohesion, and cultural continuity
Advising on matters affecting ancestral lands and customs
His lived experience among ordinary people uniquely positions him to interpret tradition with empathy and wisdom.
Pending his traditional installation and capping by His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwanu Osuolale Okikiola Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, Prince Jide Kosoko’s emergence as Oloja-elect symbolizes renewal.
He stands as a rare figure, a prince who walked with the people, an artist who preserved culture, and a royal elder prepared to guard history.
In him, Lagos finds not just a traditional titleholder, but a living archive of culture, service, and identity.
