The death of the former Governor of Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has sparked an outpouring of grief from eminent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and many others.
Olunloyo, a renowned mathematician and technocrat, passed away on Sunday at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday on April 14, 2025.
He passed on around 1.40 am on Sunday, with his remains deposited at a private mortuary in Ibadan.
The deceased became a commissioner in the old Western Region at age 27, before he served as the Governor of Oyo State from October 1, 1983, to December 31, 1983, before the military regime of Gen Muhammadu Buhari seized power and truncated the democracy of the Second Republic.
His legacy as a brilliant scholar and dedicated public servant left an indelible mark on the educational and political landscape of Nigeria.
In his tribute, Tinubu extended condolences, praising Olunloyo for his pioneering work in mathematics and education, as well as his commitment to national development.
The President’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
“Olunloyo, renowned for his mathematical prowess, obtained a PhD in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory from St. Andrews University in Scotland at 25 years.
“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.
“Dr Olunloyo will be celebrated in academic circles for his brilliance and foundational contributions to applied mathematics and number theory.
“As an educator, he profoundly influenced future leaders and fortified educational institutions,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on Olunloyo’s tenure as governor of the old Oyo State, Tinubu remarked: “Although his time in office was brief, his tenure was marked by exceptional vision and leadership.
“The abrupt end to his administration due to military intervention did not deter him from continuing to serve the nation.”
Obasanjo described Olunloyo as a patriotic Nigerian who stood for justice, peace and progress of the country till his last days on earth.
He said Olunloyo remained one of the notable Nigerians with deep blood of patriotism running in their veins.
In a statement by this Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday, the former President said “It was shocking and worrisome because we had lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark, and now Dr Olunloyo just in weeks.
“Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s leadership are fast depleting by the loss of our dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities, particularly at this crucial state in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.”
Obasanjo commiserated with Makinde, the government and the good people of Oyo State and consoled them with the facts that Dr Olunloyo lived a life worthy of communal emulation, touched the soul of his community and mourned by all.
Makinde, in his tribute, expressed pride in having honoured Olunloyo during his lifetime, by naming significant landmarks after him.
He described Olunloyo as one of the state’s most cerebral leaders, whose contributions to education and governance would continue to inspire future generations.
Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described Olunloyo’s death as the exit of one of Oyo State’s and Nigeria’s most cerebral former administrators.
“My joy is that our government immortalised and honoured Pa Olunloyo in his lifetime and he was present to witness it, as we named the Ibadan Airport Road and the Leisure Park on the axis after him, in recognition of his service to the state,” the governor stated.
“In Olunloyo, we have lost another icon. This time, we lost a highly cerebral and patriotic leader, who served our great state at its early stages.
“This death hits differently because I was looking forward to Baba’s 90th birthday, which would have come up on April 14, 2025,” he added.
The Southern Governors Forum described Olunloyo’s death, a few days before his 90th birthday, as a great loss to Nigeria and intellectuals around the world.
The chairman of the forum and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in a statement on Sunday, expressed the forum’s condolences to Makinde, and the government and people of Oyo State.
The forum described Olunloyo as a titan who left legacies that every Nigerian should be proud of, adding that he was a highly accomplished scholar and a genius even among geniuses.
The governor added that Olunloyo’s achievements as a prodigious scholar with reputable papers, and as an octogenarian with a sharp memory and wit, not to mention a lifelong dedication to books and the quest for knowledge in various fields, were well known.
He said: “Alas, like many giants before him, Dr Omololu Olunloyo has gone to rest.
“Although a scientist, Baba loved reciting poetry, particularly those by William Shakespeare, and, remarkably, did not read with glasses even in his old age.”
The former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, described the passing of a renowned mathematician, engineer and technocrat as the exit of a titan.
The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, expressed sorrow over the passing of Olunloyo.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, in Ibadan, described Olunloyo’s death as the end of a golden era of wisdom, scholarship, and statesmanship in Nigeria.
He described Olunloyo as a towering intellectual and one of the brightest minds to ever serve in public office in Nigeria.
“The death of Olunloyo is a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria at large. He was a symbol of brilliance, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to public service.
“His contributions to governance, academia, and the development of our dear state remain unmatched,” he said.
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, described the late Olunloyo as a man of extraordinary intellect and dedication.
The speaker, expressing deep sorrow in a statement on Sunday, said Olunloyo’s contributions to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria remained unparalleled.
Ogundoyin said it was unfortunate that the state had lost a walking encyclopaedia and a pillar of wisdom in Nigerian politics.
“
Olunloyo was not just a leader; he was a beacon of knowledge and a source of inspiration to many. I read a lot about Olunloyo and marvelled at his level of knowledge.
“His legacy as a mathematician, engineer, and technocrat will forever be etched in the annals of history,” the speaker remarked.
Ladoja, in a statement by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan, said the late Olunloyo was a man of many parts who left his footprints on the sands of time.
“
Olunloyo shone and sparkled like a star right from his Government College, Ibadan days all through his university days in Scotland, which culminated in his becoming one of the youngest PhD holders in his days.
“He gave a good account of himself as one of the most officed persons with a long public service record in Nigeria,” Ladoja said.
The former governor said the greatest legacy of Olunloyo’s long service record was his incorruptibility.
Ladoja recalled that Olunloyo visited him in his Bodija, Ibadan residence only two weeks ago, adding that “He was in the wheelchair. I was surprised to see him.
“We discussed for an hour before he left. Whenever my elder brother came around, you can be sure there would be no dull moment. But then, I did not have a premonition that his visit was his way of bidding us farewell.”
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, described the death of Olunloyo as the dropping of one the finest stars from Nigeria’s sky.
Adedeji, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dare Adekanmbi, in Ibadan, said the deceased was a genius of a rare breed, adding that he marvelled at Olunloyo’s intellectual depth and native intelligence.
“Papa Olunloyo could rightly be described as Nigeria’s Albert Einstein. He graduated with first-class honours and proceeded to bag a PhD in Applied Mathematics at the age of 26 at the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
“Every moment I shared with Papa while he was with us was an opportunity to pick lifelong lessons. He was very deep and his intellect was not just in Mathematics, but also in Classical Music with a bias for W.A Mozart’s works as well as in Literature.
“He would recite paragraphs and even lengthier dialogues from Shakespeare’s works and show how the lessons therein can be applied to life and living,” he said.
Adedeji lamented that a library of encyclopaedic collections had been set ablaze with the departure of Olunloyo.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, commiserated with the people and governor of Oyo State over the death of Olunloyo.
In a statement by the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Sunday, the group said the late Olunloyo left an indelible mark on Oyo State’s history through his tireless contributions to education, governance, and public service.
The statement read, “Afenifere is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the former governor of old Oyo State.
“As a brilliant scholar, mathematician, and engineer, Dr Olunloyo left an indelible mark on Oyo State’s history through his tireless contributions to education, governance, and public service.
“His vision for a better future, leadership, and commitment to the people of Oyo State will forever be remembered. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you, the people of Oyo State, and all who knew him.”
A
former Postmaster General of the Federation, Ismail Adewusi, on Sunday, described Olunloyo as a rare gift that Nigeria never appreciated.
In a statement in Ibadan, Adewusi described Olunloyo as an abundant gift to humanity, whose full opportunities Nigerians never tapped.
He said Olunloyo was a genius who, in other climes, could have been allowed a massive space to bring to bear on the country his rare mental capacity.
“The late Olunloyo was a global phenomenon in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory. At a time when such areas of studies remained in the realm of esoteric academic pursuits, Olunloyo had emerged as a master of the Numbers.
“But his depth of knowledge transcended the numbers game. He was deeply knowledgeable in history, literature, and to a very appreciable reach, law, and philosophy,” he said.
Speaking of Olunloyo’s aversion to mediocrity, Adewusi recalled that he was a man who championed the course of merit in all spheres of life.
Expressing sympathy with the immediate Olunloyo family, Adewusi also commiserated with the entire people of Ibadan and the state in general, noting that Olunloyo’s place in history was assured.
He urged the government to look for a more befitting way to immortalise the late academic and political icon.
Trending6 months ago
Politics6 months ago
Politics6 months ago
Politics6 months ago