LASU enters new era as Monarch emerges chancellor under Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday formally installed the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, as the 6th Chancellor of Lagos State University, marking a historic shift in the institution’s leadership structure.

Ogunsanwo, a former chairman of the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service, becomes the first traditional ruler to occupy the chancellorship of the university, succeeding Gbolahan Elias, whose tenure has ended.

The investiture ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Alausa, drew members of the university’s Governing Council, management team and an array of traditional rulers, underscoring the significance attached to the appointment.

Sanwo-Olu, who is the Visitor to the university, said the decision to appoint the Epe monarch was both strategic and symbolic, describing it as a deliberate effort to bridge cultural heritage with modern academic leadership.

He said the emergence of Ogunsanwo reflects the growing recognition of traditional institutions as vital contributors to governance, social cohesion and moral guidance in contemporary society.

“This appointment is both deliberate and historic. For the first time since the establishment of Lagos State University, a traditional ruler has been entrusted with the exalted office of chancellor,” the governor said, noting that the role goes beyond ceremonial duties to include serving as a moral compass and custodian of institutional values.

He stressed that the convergence of tradition and modernity embodied in the new chancellor’s profile would be critical in sustaining the university’s growth and prestige, particularly in an era of evolving educational demands.

Sanwo-Olu charged the monarch to uphold the dignity of the institution, foster unity across its governing structures and ensure that the university continues to produce graduates who are academically sound and socially responsible.

He added that the state government would continue to provide the enabling environment for the institution to thrive, while expecting high standards of accountability and performance from all stakeholders.

Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, described the appointment as a blend of intellect, heritage and higher learning, expressing confidence that the new chancellor would leverage his experience to position the university for global relevance.

According to Sule, the appointment comes at a critical point in the university’s history, with rising expectations for innovation, research and institutional competitiveness in a rapidly changing knowledge economy.

In his acceptance remarks, Ogunsanwo pledged to work closely with the Visitor, the Governing Council and management to strengthen the university’s traditions and advance its strategic goals.

He said his tenure would focus on reinforcing the institution’s core values while supporting initiatives that enhance academic excellence, research output and societal impact.

The appointment, backed by provisions of the Lagos State University Law of 2004 (as amended), grants the chancellor a five-year tenure, renewable for a final term.