Adejare Bello, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, was appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council by the administration of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Friday.
Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, the university’s public relations officer, made this announcement on Friday in Osogbo. According to Olarewaju, Bello brings a rich blend legislative expertise, exposure to diplomacy, and a strong dedication to the improvement of education to his new role.
“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 appointment takes over from Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, the council’s immediate previous chairman, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 64.
Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant to Ademola Adeleke on Digital Media, announced his passing on Tuesday via X (formely Twitter).
In his post, Badmus expressed sadness over the loss, writing, “Rest in power, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso. A distinguished son of Ede, Osun State, and Nigeria. What a sad loss!”
