The Olu of Igbo-Ora Land, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, Asoroolu Ayinla V, has congratulated Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba on his appointment as the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI).
The monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Ibarapa Central Traditional Council and Deputy Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, described the appointment as a landmark achievement that has brought honour and pride to Igbo-Ora, the Ibarapa region and Oyo State.
In a congratulatory message issued by the Media Office of the Olu of Igbo-Ora Land, the monarch said Olapegba’s emergence as Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university was a well-deserved recognition of his scholarship, leadership qualities, character and commitment to academic excellence and national development.
Oba Titiloye noted that the appointment further reinforced Igbo-Ora’s reputation as a community blessed with men and women who have distinguished themselves in education, leadership, public service and other spheres of human endeavour.
The monarch also described Olapegba’s achievement as an inspiration to younger generations, saying it demonstrated that diligence, integrity, discipline and the pursuit of excellence remained pathways to greatness.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the new Vice-Chancellor to provide visionary and transformative leadership that would further strengthen the University of Ibadan’s reputation as a global centre of academic excellence, research, innovation and character development.
The traditional ruler prayed for wisdom, sound health, divine guidance and strength for Olapegba as he assumes responsibility for the administration of the institution.
Similarly, the Igbole Descendants Development Union (IDDU), home and in the diaspora, congratulated Olapegba on what it described as a historic elevation for both the professor and the entire Igbole/Baba-Aso Kingdom.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Olaoye Emmanuel Olatayo, the union said the appointment was a testament to Olapegba’s decades of academic excellence, leadership, dedication to social science research and service to tertiary education in Nigeria.
The community described the professor as “a beacon of excellence and integrity”, noting that he had served the University of Ibadan in various capacities, including as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor.
According to the IDDU, Olapegba consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, integrity and administrative competence throughout his career, making his emergence as the university’s chief executive a fitting recognition of his years of service and scholarship.
“As a community, we have always watched Prof. Olapegba’s academic journey with immense pride. His achievement reinforces our belief that hard work, humility, and dedication to knowledge always light the path to greatness,” the union said.
The IDDU further pledged its support to the new Vice-Chancellor as he begins his tenure, expressing confidence that his leadership would usher in further growth, innovation and global competitiveness for the University of Ibadan.
The union also prayed that God would grant Olapegba the wisdom, strength and foresight required to lead the institution to greater heights.
Both the Olu of Igbo-Ora and the Igbole community joined family members, friends, associates and well-wishers in celebrating Olapegba’s appointment and wished him a successful and impactful tenure as the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
