Elders in Ede, Osun State, have congratulated Ambassador Rafiu Adejare Bello on his appointment as Pro Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, describing him as the ideal choice for the prestigious institution.
The Ede Elders Council (Igbimo Agbaagba Omo Ilu Ede) said Bello, who also served as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, merits the appointment announced last week by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alhaji Sulaiman Adebayo, president of the council, praised Bello as an experienced public administrator who has consistently demonstrated integrity, modesty, and versatility in his previous roles.
In a statement issued by Chief Ayodele Adeyemo, the council’s Director of Publicity, elders highlighted Bello’s nearly decade-long tenure as Speaker, noting his meritorious service to Osun State and his outstanding record as a politician.
Ambassador Bello also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama from 2021 to 2023, representing the country with diligence and distinction.
The council expressed confidence that Bello, a legal luminary and OAU alumnus, as well as a traditional titleholder in Ile Ife and Edeland, would uphold the university’s reputation and bring dedication to the role of Pro Chancellor.
The Ede Elders Council also thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in Bello, emphasizing that his appointment reflects both competence and commitment to public service.