- The Alara made history on Wednesday as both the presiding Chancellor and a graduating doctoral alumnus at LASU’s convocation ceremonies.
- The achievements prompted a congratulatory message from the Sultan of Sokoto.
- The Sultan described the Epe monarch as eminently qualified anx praised his commitment to learning.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has congratulated the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, on his ceremonial assumption of office as Chancellor of Lagos State University.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Sokoto monarch also felicitated his Ilara counterpart on his graduation with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree from the same institution.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team, the revered Islamic leader expressed pride in Oba Ogunsanwo and vouched for his capacity to deliver in his new role.
“We are very proud of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Lagos State, Oba Folarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, and we wish him the very best as he begins his tenure as Chancellor of Lagos State University,” the Sultan said.
He expressed confidence that the Ilara traditional ruler would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the responsibilities of the chancellorship.
“We are confident that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on his responsibilities and contribute positively to the continued advancement of the university,” the Sultan added.
On the doctorate, the Sultan described the achievement as further proof of Oba Ogunsanwo’s dedication to growth and service.
“We equally congratulate him on the conferment of the Doctor of Business Administration degree. This is a remarkable academic achievement and a worthy addition to his record of service and leadership,” he said.
The Sultan also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the chancellorship appointment, describing Oba Ogunsanwo as eminently qualified and deserving of the role.
He prayed for wisdom, good health, and continued success for the Alara as he embarks on his tenure, expressing hope for a fruitful chancellorship and greater accomplishments in his service to humanity.
Oba Ogunsanwo formally performed his first official duty as Chancellor from Monday, August 17 to Wednesday, August 19, during the combined 29th and 30th Convocation Ceremonies of LASU at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo, which drew attendance from prominent leaders, including Governor Sanwo-Olu and Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi.
The monarch’s appointment as LASU’s 6th Chancellor was announced in February 2026 by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Shortly after, during a courtesy visit by the university’s management, Oba Ogunsanwo had disclosed that he was already a student of the institution, then in his third year of the DBA programme, and expected to graduate before year-end, a promise he fulfilled on Wednesday.
He made his maiden familiarisation visit to the campus on June 8, 2026, where he toured key facilities, congratulated management on LASU’s emergence as the sole South-West beneficiary of a ₦3 billion TETFund grant for a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cyber Sciences, and outlined a five-point vision for the university covering global competitiveness, research excellence, entrepreneurship, good governance, and national development.
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A fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute of Management, and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Directors, the monarch brings to his LASU role a professional pedigree that spans decades of engagement in Nigeria’s business and public administration landscape.
Click to watch the video of the week below:
