…As Govt holds executive session in honour of the late ex-gov
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged to preserve and digitise the personal library of the late former governor, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, describing it as a national asset and a potential centre for tourism and learning.
Speaking during a lying-in-state and executive session held in honour of the statesman at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Makinde said the library represents a repository of wisdom capable of addressing many of Nigeria’s current challenges. He described the initiative as a fitting way to immortalise Olunloyo, who was the second elected governor of the old Oyo State, encompassing present-day Oyo and Osun states.
“His library is a treasure trove of knowledge. We will work with the family to preserve and digitise it. This is not just to honour his memory, but also to make it a tourist attraction and resource hub for problem-solving,” the governor said.
Makinde also disclosed that the state government would soon commission the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park located at Alakia-Airport Road, Ibadan, which was named in his honour last year. Additionally, the 3-kilometre Airport Road has already been named after the late governor.
The governor paid personal tribute to Olunloyo, describing him as one of his trusted advisers on state matters. “I have lost a partner. He would often draw from his experience to explain how certain issues were handled in the past. People wonder why Oyo State is so stable under my administration, it’s because I listen to elders like him who help me make better decisions,” he said.
Makinde affirmed that the preservation of Olunloyo’s legacy would also contribute to the administration’s wider vision of promoting tourism in Oyo State.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, praised the late Olunloyo as a towering intellectual and statesman who brought uncommon brilliance to public service.
“Today is not a day for mourning but reflection. He was an intellectual giant who served Oyo State with rare distinction,” Lawal said. “We have lost a colossus, but his legacy will continue to guide us.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s first child, Mrs Oluyemi Olunloyo-Buckner, described her father as a gifted politician and statesman whose contributions to Oyo State were profound. “He gave us a name, a legacy, and above all, love,” she said.
In their tributes, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, and the Acting Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, described the late Olunloyo as an exceptional thinker and a man deeply committed to public good.
Among dignitaries in attendance were Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former governor of Oyo State; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; ex-deputy governor Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, CON; Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese.
Also present were Secretary to the State Government Prof Olanike Adeyemo, members of the Oyo State Executive Council, military commanders, traditional and religious leaders, as well as family members and other dignitaries.
