History as Oba Ogunsanwo is Inaugurated as 6th LASU Chancellor

IKEJA, LAGOS – In a ceremony that blended academic prestige with royal heritage, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday officially presided over the investiture of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe, as the 6th Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU).

​The event, held at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos House, Ikeja, marks a significant milestone for the institution. For the first time since LASU’s inception, a traditional ruler has been appointed to the exalted position of Chancellor. Oba Ogunsanwo succeeds the 5th Chancellor, Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN, following the completion of his meritorious tenure.

​A Convergence of Tradition and Excellence

​Governor Sanwo-Olu, who serves as the Visitor to the University, described the appointment as both “strategic and deliberate.” He noted that the selection of the Alara of Ilara reflects the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in providing moral leadership and social cohesion within modern governance.

​”This investiture marks a new chapter in LASU’s history—one defined by stability, growth, and renewed prestige,” the Governor stated. He further emphasized that the Chancellor’s role, while ceremonial, serves as the moral compass and custodian of the university’s values.

​The Profile of a Scholar-Monarch

​The new Chancellor is far from a stranger to public administration. Before his ascension to the throne of Ilara, Oba Ogunsanwo had a distinguished 26-year career in the Lagos State Civil Service, most notably serving as the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).

ADVERTISEMENT

​His academic credentials include:

• ​B.Sc. in Economics (Obafemi Awolowo University)
• ​M.Sc. in Economics (University of Lagos)
• ​Master in Public Administration (Lagos State University)

​The Ceremony in Pictures

​The investiture was attended by the “who’s who” of the Lagos academic and political landscape. Prominent figures captured at the event included:

• ​Mr. Babatunde Ogala (SAN): Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of LASU.
• ​Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello: Vice Chancellor of LASU.
• ​Mr. Emmanuel Fanu: Registrar of the University.

• ​Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo: The wife of the new Chancellor.

​In his acceptance remarks, Oba Ogunsanwo pledged to uphold the dignity of the institution and foster unity across its governing structures. His five-year tenure, which technically took effect on February 13, 2026, is renewable for another term.

​The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, aptly described the appointment as a perfect blend of “intellect, heritage, and higher learning,” signaling a bright future for the university community.