The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have announced the appointment of former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adejare Bello, as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution.
The appointment was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, and obtained in Osogbo.
According to the statement, Bello brings to the position a wealth of experience drawn from his legislative career, diplomatic service, and long-standing commitment to educational development.
Olarewaju noted that Bello previously served as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, where he demonstrated leadership, integrity, and dedication to democratic governance.
He also highlighted Bello’s diplomatic role as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico in June 2021, with concurrent accreditation to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama, where he contributed to Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international relations.
“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,” the statement said.
Bello is also an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained a degree in Law. The university said his academic background and long-standing connection with the institution position him well to understand its heritage, goals, and strategic direction.
A native of Ede in Osun State, Bello is widely respected for his humility, accessibility, and strong interpersonal relations.
The university expressed confidence that he would provide visionary leadership and work closely with council members, management, staff, unions, students, alumni, and other stakeholders to advance the institution’s mission and global reputation.
“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 statement added.
Bello replaces the immediate past chairman of the council, Siyan Oyeweso, who died in December 2025 at the age of 64.
News of Oyeweso’s death was announced on social media by Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant on Digital Media to Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State.
Badmus expressed sadness over the loss, describing Oyeweso as an illustrious son of Ede and a respected academic whose contributions would be remembered.
