The authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Friday announced the appointment of a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adejare Bello, as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.
This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, obtained by PUNCH Online in Osogbo, on Friday. Olarewaju stated that Bello brings to his new position a rich blend of legislative experience, diplomatic exposure, and a deep-rooted commitment to educational advancement.
“Having previously served with distinction as the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, where he demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, and dedication to democratic governance, the new pro-chancellor also served Nigeria meritoriously as an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Mexico in June 2021, with concurrent accreditation to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama, contributing significantly to the country’s diplomatic engagements and international relations for intergovernmental development.
“An alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Rt. Hon. Bello earned his degree in Law. His academic background and enduring connection to the university uniquely position him to understand its heritage, aspirations, and strategic direction,” the statement read in part.
Bello, who hails from Ede in Osun State, Olarewaju said, enjoys respect across the board for his humility, accessibility, and exceptional human relations.
The statement added, “The university expresses profound confidence in his capacity to provide visionary leadership and to work harmoniously with council members, management, staff, unions, students, alumni, and other stakeholders in advancing the mission and global standing of the university.
“The entire university community congratulates Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to a new era of stability, progress, and excellence under his chairmanship.”
The new appointee replaces the immediate past chairman of the council, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, whose death occurred in December 2025 at the age of 64.
PUNCH Online reports that news of his passing was announced on Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter) by Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant to Ademola Adeleke on Digital Media.
In his post, Badmus expressed sadness over the loss, writing, “Rest in power, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso. An illustrious son of Ede, Osun State, and Nigeria. What a sad loss!”
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