Tinubu, Obasanjo, Southern Govs other mourn death of ex-Oyo Gov, Olunloyo at 89

…Olunloyo’s passing is a great loss to Oyo, Nigeria – Makinde

The death of the former governor of the old Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo yesterday,  has been met with widespread grief across Nigeria, as political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and members of the Southern Governors Forum, mourn the loss of the respected statesman and scholar.

Olunloyo, who died just days before his 90th birthday, was remembered as an intellectual giant and a patriot who dedicated his life to public service and education.

Known for his brilliance in mathematics, his political leadership, and his lifelong commitment to knowledge and justice, Olunloyo’s contributions spanned academia, politics, and public service, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Dr. Olunloyo, born on April 14, 1935, in Ibadan, was a renowned mathematician, academic, and politician.

His leadership and intellectual prowess earned him recognition both in Nigeria and globally.

He was one of the foremost figures in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory, a field where his research and contributions left an indelible mark.

Olunloyo served as the governor of Oyo State from October 1 to December 31, 1983, during the Second Republic, before the military coup that ousted the civilian government.

Despite his brief tenure as governor, he was known for his dedication to public service, and he was instrumental in shaping the future of Oyo State.

Olunloyo’s academic background was equally remarkable. After studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he graduated with first-class honors, he went on to become a leading figure in Nigeria’s academic and educational landscape.

He was the first rector of both Ibadan Polytechnic and Kwara State Polytechnic, and he held various influential roles in Nigeria’s education sector.

President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences, describing Olunloyo as a “brilliant scholar and elder statesman” whose death marks a significant loss to Nigeria’s intellectual and political community.

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Tinubu praised Olunloyo’s immense contributions to academia, especially in the field of applied mathematics and number theory, where his achievements were recognised globally.

“Dr. Olunloyo was not just a statesman, but a symbol of intellectual rigor, a bridge between education and governance. His brilliance was felt in the classrooms and in government. As a politician, he displayed an uncommon vision, and as an academic, he was an icon in the field of mathematics,” he said.

The president lamented the loss of such a towering figure and noted that Nigeria had lost a leader whose wisdom was invaluable to the country.

He offered his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the Olunloyo family, and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also mourned the loss of Olunloyo, remembering him as a man of immense patriotism who served Nigeria with integrity and dedication.

In a statement released on Sunday, Obasanjo noted that Olunloyo was not only an intellectual giant but also a deeply committed patriot whose love for Nigeria remained unwavering.

“It is shocking and deeply saddening to lose yet another giant in our nation, following the recent loss of Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark. Dr. Olunloyo was one of the last remaining figures whose wisdom and contributions to the progress of Nigeria were unparalleled,” Obasanjo said.

He emphasised that Olunloyo’s deep sense of patriotism was evident throughout his life, noting that he remained a guiding light for younger generations of leaders.

Obasanjo said Olunloyo’s role as a mentor, offering wise counsel to both political and academic leaders regardless of their affiliations.

“Indeed, Dr. Olunloyo’s contributions to Nigeria were immeasurable. His intellect and patriotism were defining features of his legacy. We mourn the loss of a man who stood for justice, peace, and progress in his lifetime,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo also expressed concern about the depleting ranks of Nigeria’s seasoned leaders, at a time when their wisdom and guidance are sorely needed in the country’s present state.

“We have lost not only a patriot but also an irreplaceable leader,” he added.

Meanwhile, The Southern Governors Forum, through its Chairman, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, also paid tribute to Olunloyo, hailing him as a “rare gift” to Nigeria.

In his statement, Governor Abiodun described Olunloyo as an extraordinary individual whose intellectual brilliance and leadership were unmatched.

“Dr. Olunloyo was a global phenomenon in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory. At a time when such academic pursuits were often regarded as esoteric, he emerged as a master of the Numbers, a true genius who stood apart,” he said.

Abiodun also said Olunloyo’s contributions as a public servant and noted that his achievements went beyond academia.

“His life was a study in excellence, not only in his academic field but also in public service and leadership. He was a beacon of integrity and a model of what it means to serve with honor,” Abiodun added.

The Southern Governors Forum leaders commiserated with the people of Oyo State, urging Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders to find a fitting way to immortalize Olunloyo’s legacy.

In the same vein, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who was personally affected by Olunloyo’s death, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the former governor, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde described Olunloyo as “a towering figure in the history of Oyo State and Nigeria.”

“Dr. Omololu Olunloyo’s death is a great loss, not only to Oyo State but to Nigeria, we have lost a highly cerebral, patriotic leader, and a giant in the fields of mathematics and governance. His leadership in Oyo State during the early days of the state’s formation was invaluable, and his legacy will live on,” Makinde said.

Makinde said the deep personal impact Olunloyo’s passing had on him, especially as the former governor was on the verge of celebrating his 90th birthday.

“I had been looking forward to Baba’s 90th birthday on April 14, but we must submit to the will of God.

“It is comforting to know that our government immortalized Pa Olunloyo in his lifetime by naming the Ibadan Airport Road and the Leisure Park after him,” he added.

Makinde further expressed his gratitude that Olunloyo was able to witness this honor before his death.

“Our government will continue to uphold his legacy and ensure that future generations will know of his immense contributions to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria,” he added.