King Kosoko’s descendants celebrate his enduring legacy
By Taiye Olayemi
Descendants of late King Kosoko, the 10th king and first Oloja of Lagos, on Monday celebrated the traditional ruler’s historical and enduring legacy in a colourful celebration.
The celebration which held at the palace of Oloja of Lagos elect, Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, was the grand finale of a week-long celebration of the 162nd anniversary of the return of late King Kosoko back to Lagos from exile in 1862.
The event tagged “The Return 1862” refers to the historic return of King Kosoko and his followers to Lagos in 1862, which resulted in the establishment of the Epetedo settlement and the Ereko palace.
The triumphant return of the warrior king as well as his chiefs and followers to Lagos followed a-10 year sojourn in Epe following the bombardment of Lagos by the British Royal Navy in 1851 leading to the king’s exit.
Kosoko’s descendants in merriment listened to the family’s panegyric reeled out by professional chanters.
The programme also afforded up-and-coming artistes the opportunity to showcase their talents while they performed in different musical genre.
Among the artistes and musical bands that performed were: Ijo real, Ajeh, Akewi Agbaye and K-Man.
Speaking with NAN, Olojo-Kosoko appreciated everyone who had contributed to the success of the programme.
He said promoting the historical relevance and legacy of late King Kosoko was a cause he would always be committed to.
He noted that this was important as it was capable of inspiring the younger ones to live a life worthy of emulation, just like late Kosoko.
Alhaja Tawakalitu Abiola-Sulaimon, one of late Kosoko’s decendants, commended the Oloja elect for his transformational initiative in upholding the late king’s legacy and history.
Abiola-Sulaimon said this had spurred peace, unity and progress among all decendants King Kosoko.
According to her, before the appointment of the current Oloja elect, all late Kosoko descendants were not united.
She appreciated Abiola-Kosoko for coming up with laudable programmes capable of enlivening the late king’s legacies, like the establishment of a museum where Kosoko’s war relics are currently preserved.
“We are really happy with all he has done and I want to appeal to everyone to work with him to achieve more for our collective good,” she said.
Also, Mr Abiodun Olojo-Kosoko said: “I am happy this is happening when I am still alive. King Kosoko’s achievements should not be swept under the carpet, we must continue to uphold it.
“I want to commend the Oloja elect for all he has done. I pray that God will continue to enhance his wisdom to do more.”
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion was Oba Oladele Kosoko, the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom in Badagry.
