King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos, starring Femi Adebayo as the 19th-century Lagos monarch Oba Kosoko, will open in Nigerian cinemas on August 28, 2026.
Adebayo Tijani directed the Yoruba-language historical drama, which runs for 1 hour and 43 minutes. Silverbird Cinemas lists the film for a nationwide cinema release on August 28.
Femi Adebayo leads a cast that includes Odunlade Adekola, Gabriel Afolayan, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Hassan, Tina Mba, Femi Branch, Yinka Quadri and Faithia Williams.
The film follows Kosoko’s struggle for the Lagos throne after the death of his father, Esinlokun. According to the cinema synopsis, Kosoko, a grandson of King Ologun Kutere, builds wealth through trade and forms alliances while waiting for an opportunity to pursue his claim to the throne.
The story then moves to his conflict with Akitoye and the British intervention in Lagos. Historical accounts place Kosoko’s reign between 1845 and 1851, before British forces attacked Lagos in December 1851 and restored Akitoye to the throne.
Meanwhile, City People reports that the film examines the political struggle surrounding Kosoko and the events that affected Lagos during the 19th century.
The production was filmed in parts of Lagos, including Isale Eko and Epe, according to NollyCritic. The publication also reports that the production used locations around the Lagos Lagoon.
With the King Kosoko release date set for August 28, cinema audiences will see Femi Adebayo take the lead role in the story of the former Lagos monarch.
