Tinubu, Obasanjo, Makinde mourn as ex-Oyo gov, Olunloyo, dies at 89

Former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has died at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday. His family confirmed his death in a statement titled “Victor Olunloyo goes home”, signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi. The statement highlighted Olunloyo’s legacy as a renowned mathematician, engineer, former governor and statesman. Dr. Olunloyo, […]

Former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has died at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday.

His family confirmed his death in a statement titled “Victor Olunloyo goes home”, signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi.

The statement highlighted Olunloyo’s legacy as a renowned mathematician, engineer, former governor and statesman.

Dr. Olunloyo, renowned for his mathematical prowess, obtained a PhD in Applied Mathematics and number theory from St. Andrews University in Scotland at 25.

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In 1962, at just 27, he became a commissioner in the old Western Region. He served multiple times as commissioner in the Western State, which succeeded the Western Region.

He served as the governor of Oyo State from 1 October 1983 to 31 December 1983, when the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari took power.

His leadership as the founding rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic established enduring academic and administrative foundations in the two institutions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences to the Olunloyo family and praised the former governor’s academic brilliance and national contributions.

Reflecting on Olunloyo’s tenure as governor, Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, noted that despite the brevity of his administration due to military intervention, it was marked by visionary leadership.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also paid tribute, describing Olunloyo as a patriotic leader who remained committed to justice and national development until his passing.

Obasanjo lamented the recent loss of other elder statesmen, including Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark, noting the nation’s urgent need for experienced voices in its current state.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde expressed sorrow over the death, describing Olunloyo as one of Nigeria’s most cerebral administrators.

He noted with pride that his administration had honoured Olunloyo during his lifetime by naming the Ibadan Airport Road and Leisure Park after him.

Makinde offered his condolences to the Olunloyo family and the people of Ibadanland, saying the former governor’s passing was a significant loss.