Olojo-Kosoko Says He Remains Only Recognised Oloja-Elect of Lagos

Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko has reaffirmed his position as the only recognised Oloja-elect of Lagos, stating that his emergence followed the procedures outlined in the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law and established customary guidelines.

In an interview, Olojo-Kosoko, a culture and tourism expert, said his selection emerged from what he described as a lawful and transparent process within the Kosoko Royal Family.

He explained that the Oloja of Lagos chieftaincy recognises nine ruling houses, adding that the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House, to which he belongs, was next in line for succession.

According to him, the selection process began after the death of the last Oloja, Chief Adebola Idris Disu Ige, in 2017. He said the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House conducted an internal screening of aspirants before forwarding his name to the Oloja-in-Council.

Olojo-Kosoko stated that the process culminated in December 2020, when, according to him, all nine kingmakers voted in his favour following a screening exercise.

He further said that a rerun of the exercise, conducted under the supervision of legal advisers, reaffirmed his emergence, while aspirants from other ruling houses were screened out in line with the registered chieftaincy declaration.

The claimant said he was formally presented at the Ereko Palace on December 31, 2020, and that a subsequent letter issued by the Olori-Ebi in January 2021 marked the conclusion of the family’s nomination process.

However, he expressed concern that the statutory consent required from the Oba of Lagos has yet to be granted several years after the family’s ratification.
Olojo-Kosoko also reacted to claims by Prince Jide Kosoko, saying that, based on his understanding of customary succession, the Oteniya Ruling House is not next in line. He stressed that the matter is now before the court for judicial interpretation.

He explained that the decision to seek legal clarification was aimed at ensuring adherence to customary and statutory provisions governing the Oloja chieftaincy.

While acknowledging Prince Jide Kosoko as a respected elder within the royal family, Olojo-Kosoko maintained that he remains the only person selected through the process he described.