Beloved Nollywood veteran Jide Kosoko has marked his granddaughter Aleezah Ayinke Kosoko’s first birthday with heartfelt prayers and traditional blessings, continuing his celebrated role as both entertainment icon and family patriarch. The actor, who recently assumed leadership of his royal family’s Oteniya branch, shared touching photos of the celebrant on his Instagram page, accompanying them with prayers in his native Yoruba language.
“Wa dagba lagbara Olorun. Amin,” the actor wrote, invoking divine blessings for his granddaughter’s long life and prosperity. The birthday celebration comes at a meaningful time for Kosoko, who has recently stepped more prominently into his traditional royal responsibilities while maintaining his engaging presence in both the entertainment industry and public life.
This latest family celebration adds another chapter to Kosoko’s endearing public interactions with his grandchildren. Earlier this year, the veteran actor entertained his followers with a humorous incident involving another granddaughter, Shikemi Abina. He shared his playful bewilderment at her rendition of Kizz Daniel’s hit song “Twe Twe,” teasingly questioning which language she was speaking while tagging her mother, Shola Kosoko, in the post.
The celebration of Aleezah’s first birthday showcases a softer side of the actor, who has recently been in the public eye for various professional and traditional responsibilities. In October, Kosoko was officially appointed as the head of his royal family’s Oteniya branch, a role that included his presentation to the Oloriebi in Council and reconfirmation as the Family’s official Ambassador. This traditional leadership position adds another layer of significance to his blessing of young Aleezah, combining both familial and cultural authority in his birthday wishes.
Kosoko’s presence on social media has consistently shown his ability to balance serious matters with lighter moments. Recently, he captured public attention with a photograph of his daughter, playfully challenging his admirers with a hefty fictional bride price of N500 billion for mere introduction and consultation. This mix of humor and tradition has become characteristic of his public persona.
The actor has also shown his commitment to social causes, particularly demonstrated earlier this year when he took a stand against drug abuse. In a memorable post, he humorously portrayed himself as the “New Chairman of NDLEA,” using his platform and influence to address serious social issues while maintaining his characteristic wit.
The birthday celebration drew warm responses from fans and well-wishers, with many joining in the prayers for the young princess. Comments ranged from simple birthday wishes to heartfelt prayers, reflecting the deep respect and affection the public holds for both the veteran actor and his family. Notable responses included messages from fans like Aderonke Sunday and Angela Monire, who added their own prayers and good wishes for the toddler.
As both a celebrated actor and a royal family head, Kosoko’s public celebration of his granddaughter’s first birthday represents more than just a family milestone. It exemplifies the blend of traditional values and modern celebrity that characterizes many of Nigeria’s entertainment veterans, showing how they navigate their roles as both public figures and family patriarchs.
The celebration also highlights the continuing legacy of the Kosoko family in Nigerian entertainment and cultural circles, with multiple generations now capturing public attention and affection. As Aleezah begins her journey into toddlerhood, she does so under the blessing of not just a grandfather, but a cultural icon whose influence spans both the entertainment industry and traditional leadership roles.
