LASU Vice Chancellor’s Appointment: Aworis Back Prof. Bello’s Candidacy
Lagosreporter
Posted On December 29, 2020
As the Visitor to the Lagos State University (LASU), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to announce the next Vice Chancellor of the institution, the Awori indigenes of Lagos have thrown their support behind the candidature of Prof Ibiyemi Olarunji-Bello as the right candidate.
Contrary to claims in some quarters, they posited that Ibiyemi Bello is an indigene of Lagos, stating that she is an offspring of theb the Abraham Onigbanjo family of Olowoogbowo Area, Ita Kose of Lagos Island.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos, the Akogun of Oto-Awori kingdom high chief Dawodu Avoseh said all the sons and daughters of Awori land are solidly behind Bello.
He asserted that Ibiyemi-Bello, a PhD holder in Physiology is eminently qualified to become the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University, having occupied the position in acting capacity for almost two years and had earlier served as a Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Avoseh disclosed that of the three shortlisted candidates for the position, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello came first on the list, with Professor Kabir Akinyemi and Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya coming second and third respectively.
On the contentious issue about her origin, the Awori high chief said Ibiyemi-Bello is an indigene of Lagos state via her mother who is from the Abraham Onigbanjo family of Olowoogbowo Area, Ita Kose of Lagos Island.
“Her maternal grandfather Abraham Babatunde was a mechanical engineer with the Nigerian Railways Corporation, while her great grandfather, Abraham Onigbanjo was an auctioneer”, he added.
He explained that the indigenous natives of Lagos Island are known for one thing, the offspring of a female child within the family have enormously equal rights as the offspring of a male child.
According to him, this accounts for reasons that several offspring of female children in Lagos often grow to become kings and royal chiefs of their communities.
“Ibiyemi has always been proud to be associated with her maternal heritage where she has lived all her life, and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state. One then may begin to wonder why some elements doubt her Lagos heritage, even when that was not a basic criterion for the appointment of the 9th Vice-Chancellorship of Lagos State University.
Based on the above, Professor Ibiyemi-Bello is eminently qualified for the office of the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, having ticked all the boxes as specified in the requirements advertised for the position. She has a PhD in Physiology, and possesses well above the required ten years’ experience as a Professor”.
Source: Online
