08/04/2026
HISTORIC FIRST: Sanwo-Olu Installs Alara of Ilara as LASU’s 6th Chancellor
By Adewale Omo Olubo | All Day TV News
LAGOS — In a landmark development for higher education in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally sworn in the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, HRM Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, as the 6th Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), marking the first time a traditional ruler will occupy the prestigious position.
The historic investiture ceremony, held on Tuesday, April 7, at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Alausa, Ikeja, drew an array of dignitaries, including members of the university’s Governing Council, top management officials, and prominent traditional rulers across the state.
Oba Ogunsanwo succeeds renowned legal luminary, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), whose tenure recently came to an end. His appointment, in line with the Lagos State University Law of 2004 (as amended), is for an initial term of five years, renewable for a final term of equal duration.
A Historic Shift in LASU’s Leadership Tradition
Describing the appointment as both “deliberate and historic,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said the decision reflects a strategic blend of cultural heritage and modern governance ideals.
“This is the first time since LASU’s establishment that a traditional ruler is entrusted with the office of Chancellor,” the governor stated. “It underscores our belief in the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, social cohesion, and moral leadership.”
He noted that Oba Ogunsanwo’s emergence symbolizes a vital alignment between tradition and modernity—an approach he said is critical to achieving sustainable development in the education sector and beyond.
‘A Moral Compass for the University’
Highlighting the significance of the role, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the office of Chancellor goes beyond ceremonial duties, describing it as a symbol of continuity, dignity, and institutional values.
“The Chancellor serves as a moral compass, a custodian of tradition, and an ambassador of the university’s ideals,” he said, urging the monarch to foster unity among stakeholders and uphold LASU’s reputation for academic excellence.
The governor further charged the new Chancellor to support the university’s mission of producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also ethically grounded and socially responsible.
Strengthening LASU’s Global Relevance
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening LASU as a hub for innovative, policy-driven research capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges.
“This investiture marks the beginning of a new chapter—one we are confident will usher in stability, growth, and renewed prestige for LASU,” he added.
‘Fusion of Heritage and Knowledge’ — Commissioner
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, described the appointment as “a fusion of intellect, heritage, and higher learning.”
According to him, Oba Ogunsanwo’s vast administrative experience, including his tenure as Chairman of the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS), positions him to attract strategic partnerships and elevate LASU’s standing in the global academic community.
Expectations High as Monarch Takes Helm
With expectations running high, stakeholders believe the new Chancellor’s unique blend of traditional authority and public sector experience will strengthen institutional governance and deepen community engagement.
Oba Ogunsanwo’s appointment is widely seen as a bold step toward integrating indigenous leadership structures into modern educational administration—an approach many observers say could redefine university governance models in Nigeria.
As LASU embarks on this new phase, attention now turns to how the royal father will leverage his office to advance the university’s vision in an increasingly competitive global education landscape.