Federal Government names new governing council head for Obafemi Awolowo University

The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, situated in Ile-Ife, Osun State, made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing the appointment of Adejare Bello, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, as the university's new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

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This development was disclosed in a statement issued by the university's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, which was obtained in Osogbo on Friday, highlighting the new appointment and the qualities Bello brings to the role.

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According to Olarewaju, Bello's extensive experience in legislative matters, combined with his diplomatic background and commitment to education, make him an ideal candidate for the position, bringing a unique blend of skills to the table.

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Bello's impressive track record includes his tenure as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, where he demonstrated strong leadership, integrity, and dedication to democratic governance, as well as his service as an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico in June 2021, with concurrent accreditation to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama.

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As an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, having earned his degree in Law, Bello possesses a deep understanding of the university's heritage, aspirations, and strategic direction, making him well-suited to his new role.

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Bello, a native of Ede in Osun State, is widely respected for his humility, accessibility, and exceptional human relations, according to Olarewaju, who noted that these qualities will serve him well in his new position.

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The university has expressed confidence in Bello's ability to provide visionary leadership and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including council members, management, staff, unions, students, alumni, and others, to advance the university's mission and global standing.

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The university community has congratulated Bello on his appointment, looking forward to a new era of stability, progress, and excellence under his chairmanship, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

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Bello's appointment follows the passing of the immediate past chairman of the council, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, who died in December 2025 at the age of 64, creating a vacancy that Bello will now fill.

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News of Oyeweso's passing was announced on Tuesday via X, formerly Twitter, by Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant to Ademola Adeleke on Digital Media, who expressed sadness over the loss, describing Oyeweso as an illustrious son of Ede, Osun State, and Nigeria.