The Vice – Chancellor of Lagos State University ( LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Tunji – Bello on Thursday, 19th February 2026, led members of the Management team on a familiarisation visit to the Institution’s newly appointed Chancellor, HRM Oba Dr. Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsawo, at his palace in Epe Kingdom.
Oba Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, Epe, was recently appointed as the 6th Chancellor of the Lagos State University by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo – Olu, following the expiration of the tenure of immediate past Chancellor, Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN.
Addressing the Paramount ruler, the Vice – Chancellor, Professor Olatunji – Bello said the delegation was at the palace to formally pay homage and congratulate the new Chancellor on his appointment.
The Professor of Physiology noted that the ascension to the noble office reflected not only his distinguished royal heritage but also his unwavering commitment to scholarship, leadership and service to humanity.
“Your ascension to this office reflects not only your distinguished royal heritage but also your commitment to scholarship, leadership and service to humanity” she stated. “As Alara of Ilara Epe, you have demonstrated leadership rooted in tradition and community development. We are confident that these same virtue will enrich and elevate State University.
Describing the new Chancellor as a bridge between heritage and innovation, Prof. Olatunji – Bello added,” With you, we see a custodian of values and a father figure whose guidance will continue to strengthen the moral fabric of Lagos State University, and your exposure will undoubtedly inspire our students to pursue exceptional feat not only in academia but also in character and lifelong learning.
In his response, Oba Ogunsanwo expressed gratitude to God for the appointment and thanked Governor Sanwo – Olu for finding him worthy of the responsibility, which he said he accepted with humility, honour and respect.
He noted that he was not a stranger to Lagos State University, having obtained a Master’s degree from the University in 1995 and being currently enrolled in a PHD in Business Administration. “My joy is that your products are now being sent back to you to be of value,” he said.
The Monarch paid tribute to his predecessors, particularly Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN, commending their contributions to the growth of the University in collaboration with past and present Vice – Chancellor.
“I will give my all, my knowledge, goodwill and experience, to ensure that we take LASU to a position of reckoning in the world,” he pledged. I will be a father figure and face LASU, so that which we look, we will thank God. He further assured the Management of his commitment to exploring broader opportunities for collaboration, including in artificial intelligence, and attracting well – meaning Nigerians to support the continued development of the University.
Oba Ogunsanwo was in company of his wife, Olori Bolanle Ogunsawo, other traditional rulers of surrounding Kingdoms. HRM Oba Ayodele Alire, the Alade of Uraka Poka Land, and HRM Oba Adelani Adeniyi Oke, the Adegbajo of Odo – Gbawojo Kingdom as well as the Alara – in – Council of Ilara, the Bale – in – Council of Ilara, and other well – wishers.
Members of LASU Management team on the visit included: the Deputy Vice – Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Olutoyin Enikuomehin, the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu; the Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka and the University Librarian, Dr. Olawunmi Makinde.
Also present were the Deputy Registrar, Vice – Chancellor’s Office, Dr. Lateef Salami; DRC/ Head, Council Affairs Division, Mr. Oladele Olorunfunmi; DRC / Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas – Onasile. Admission Officer, Mr. Agboola Bamgboye; Media Aide to the Vice – Chancellor, Mr. Oluwaseun Gbanja; P A the V C, Mrs Bisiriyu Obasa, Administrative Officer 11, Mr. Tunji Salami, and Mrs. Grace Oloseh.
The official investiture of the Chancellor will take place at a yet – to – be announced date.
