Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo, is set to take audiences back to 19th-century Lagos with King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos, a Yoruba-language historical drama scheduled to hit cinemas nationwide on August 28, 2026.

Directed by Adebayo Tijani, the film tells the story of Oba Kosoko, the 12th Oba of Lagos, and the political rivalries, battles and struggles that shaped the kingdom during a turbulent period in its history.

Produced by Teqsus Studios and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film will premiere on August 23 at IMAX Lekki, Lagos, ahead of its nationwide theatrical release.

Set between 1833 and 1852, the story explores the intense contest for the Lagos throne involving Kosoko, Oba Akintoye and other political forces, against the backdrop of growing British influence.

Femi Adebayo stars as Oba Kosoko, while Odunlade Adekola plays Oba Akintoye. Other cast members include Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Branch, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Taiwo Hassan, Tina Mba, Adeniyi Johnson, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Aliu Gafar and Yemi Elesho.

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With more than 70 actors, the production brings together veterans and younger performers, giving the film a notable multigenerational cast.

At its core, King Kosoko examines leadership, loyalty, betrayal, political ambition and resistance to external influence, while portraying Lagos as a powerful kingdom before its transformation into the modern city.

The choice of Yoruba as the primary language, alongside English subtitles, also allows the filmmakers to preserve the cultural character of the story while reaching a wider audience.

As Nollywood continues to embrace historical and epic productions, King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos offers audiences an opportunity to revisit a significant chapter in Lagos history through film.

With Femi Adebayo leading the cast and Adebayo Tijani directing, expectations are building ahead of the August 23 premiere and August 28 cinema release.