Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday invested traditional ruler, the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, as Lagos State University’s sixth Chancellor.
He described the appointment as historic and strategic for the institution’s continued growth.
Sanwo-Olu presided over the investiture and swearing-in at the State House Banquet Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said the move recognised traditional institutions’ enduring relevance in governance, social cohesion and moral leadership.
The governing council members, management officials and traditional rulers attended the ceremony.
The governor said the appointment marked the first time a traditional ruler would serve as Chancellor since the university’s establishment.
He said the choice represented “a convergence of tradition and modernity” for sustainable institutional progress.
“This appointment is both deliberate and historic. For the first time, a traditional ruler holds the office of Chancellor.
“It reflects our recognition of traditional institutions in governance, social cohesion and moral leadership,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that the office went beyond ceremony, symbolising continuity, dignity and enduring institutional values.
“Oba Ogunsanwo’s emergence represents a convergence of tradition and modernity essential for sustainable progress.
“Beyond ceremony, the Chancellor is a moral compass and ambassador of the university’s ideals,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said the traditional ruler’s record of service and commitment to development and culture made him qualified.
He urged him to uphold the university’s dignity, promote unity and sustain academic excellence.
The governor said expectations were high for producing ethically grounded and socially responsible graduates.
He added the university must remain a hub for policy-relevant research and address contemporary challenges.
“This investiture marks a new chapter in LASU’s history. It will be defined by stability, growth and renewed prestige.
“We will provide an enabling environment while expecting high standards of performance and accountability,” the governor said.
The appointment was made under the Lagos State University Law, 2004 (as amended).
The law empowers the Visitor to appoint a Chancellor for a renewable five-year term.
Ogunsanwo, a former chairman, Lagos State Inland Revenue Service, succeeds Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), who completed his tenure.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, described the appointment as a blend of “intellect, heritage and higher learning”.
“Kabiyesi comes at a critical time in this institution’s history. The expectations are high, and so is our confidence in his leadership.
“His appointment brings rare traditional authority and modern insight to strengthen the university’s moral and intellectual fabric,” he said.
In his acceptance remarks, Ogunsanwo pledged to work with the Visitor, Governing Council and management to strengthen institutional values.
He promised to support efforts to consolidate the university’s growth and enhance its prestige.
