The Paramount Ruler and Alake of Egbaland, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV (CFR) has commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako “for bringing back the good name of the University” in his tenure that is ending on October 31, few days time.

The highly revered monarch gave the commendation while receiving the new Governing Council of the University who came on a maiden familiriazation visit.

Receiving the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Alhaji Umar Ahmed and Council members in the Palace, the Paramount Ruler commended and thanked the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for restoring the good name and the pride of place of the University through exceptional performance which is deeply rooted in peace, progress and development.

Beaming with smile, the Royal Father who was apparently elated and satisfied with the performance of Prof. Salako in office said his appreciation of his good work is a tip of the ice berg saying that he will appreciate the Vice-Chancellor better when he return to the Palace on a valedictory visit.

Oba Gbadebo also thanked one of his revered Chiefs and former Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun for bettering the lots of the University during his tenure of office by bringing FUNAAB from 38th position to second best in the nation’s ranking of universities.

The Alake who went down memory lane dated back 1948 when Egbaland lost the citing of what is now known as University of Ibadan to Ibadan expressed thanks to God for giving Egbaland FUNAAB eventually.

The Paramount Ruler disclosed that “FUNAAB is very dear to Egbas, the more reason we are very happy with the progress of the University”.

Welcoming the Alhaji Umar Ahmed led Governing Council to the Palace, Oba Gbadebo recalled his days in Kaduna State (the home stead) of his visitor during his days as top military officer in Kaduna.

The Royal Father assured the Governing Council of the support and cooperation of the people of Egbaland.

Alake prayed God to grant the Governing Council a hitch free tenure of office and a successful mission accomplishment.

Earlier in his very short Remark which he delivered extempore, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Alhaji Umar Ahmed said following the Inauguration of the Council by Federal Government in Abuja on September 7 ,2022 it is expedient for him and members to pay a visit to the Paramount Ruler.

Alhaji Ahmed solicited for the “fatherly advise and support” of the Alake of Egbaland for the success of the Governing Council.

Also speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Salako who led the Chairman of Governing Council to Ake Palace said, “We are very close to the Palace; We are very close to Egbaland our host community and our State, Ogun State”.

Speaking further, Prof. Salako added,” people said we have been enjoying peace in FUNAAB close to five years now but that wouldn’t have been possible without the grace of God, the support of our Baba the Alake of Egbaland, the people of Egbaland and the good people of Ogun and Nigerians in general”.

He pointed out that “What we have come to do Kabiyesi is to seek your much needed support for our new Governing Council. Yes, I am an outgoing Vice-Chancellor, my tenure will end on the 31st of this month but we need your support for my successor and in particular our new Council to enhance delivery”.

Two notable former Principal Officers of the University, Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, a former Vice-Chancellor now an Egba High Chief whom the outgoing Vice-Chancellor named the sprawling Ultra Modern Ceremonial Building of the institution after and Princess Bisi Shoboyejo, a very close blood relation of the Alake whom Prof. Salako also named a prestigious Female Hostel after, thus becoming the first Non-Teaching staff(retired) to be so honoured were part of the Alake’s team that received FUNAAB team.

On the Governing Council Chairman team were members; Alhaji Inuwa Tahir, Barr.Patrick Omeke, Mr.Adegboyega Adebajo, Dr.Celina Shitman Gana and Mrs. H.Lawal who are external members .

Other internal members of the Governing Council are; Prof. E.O Fakoya, Prof.B.S Badmus, Prof.F.I.Adeosun,Prof.F.O Henshaw,Prof.J.J Atungwu,Dr.O.A Oduwole,Dr.O.O.Ogundiran and Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr.Bola Adekola.

Principal Officers and other top officials who also accompanied the Vice Chancellor include the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic),Prof.Christian Ikeobi, Deputy Vice Chancellor(Development),Prof Babatunde Kehinde,Bursar,Mr.Chukwuwinke Ezekpeazu,University Librarian,Prof .Fehintola Onifade, Mr.Moses Ayanda,Deputy Registrar Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mrs Kemi Banuso,Deputy Registrar,Council Affairs and Mr.Kola Adepoju,Head,Directorate of Public Relations