President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the government and people of Oyo State following the passing of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the former governor of the old Oyo State.
President Tinubu has also extended sympathies to the Olunloyo family and all who knew and respected the late elder statesman and scholar.
Olunloyo, renowned for his mathematical prowess, obtained a PhD in applied mathematics and number theory from St. Andrews University in Scotland at 25. 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.
His leadership as the founding rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic established enduring academic and administrative foundations in the two institutions.
Tinubu paid tribute to Olunloyo’s remarkable academic and professional journey and his fervent belief in education as a transformative tool for national development.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on Olunloyo’s tenure as governor of the old Oyo State, President 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.”
Tinubu applauded the late governor for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and intellectual advancement, emphasising that his contributions will remain enduring milestones in the nation’s history.
“May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and bring solace to all who mourn this distinguished statesman,” Tinubu prayed.
Also, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Sunday mourned the death of Olunloyo, describing his death as the exit of one of Oyo State’s and Nigeria’s most cerebral former administrators.
The governor commiserated with the entire Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
He noted that it was sad that the late Mathematical guru and administrator passed away before his 90th birthday.
He said, “On behalf of the Government and the good People of Oyo State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr Omololu Olunloyo, the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State on the demise of the former governor.
“In Dr 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 14th.
“However, we have to submit to the will of God, who gives and takes lives as He wills.
“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.
“May the Lord grant repose to his soul and give his family the fortitude to bear his demise.”
In the same vein, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Sunday, expressed condolences to the families, friends, and associates of Olunloyo and late Yekini Adeojo, the Seriki of Ibadanland.
In a statement released by his media office, the Minister described the late former Governor as a distinguished statesman, a brilliant technocrat, and a visionary leader whose contributions to governance, education, and public service remain indelible in the annals of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“His legacy of intellectual depth, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to societal progress will continue to inspire generations to come.
“As you mourn this irreplaceable loss, may you find solace in his remarkable life and enduring impact. May Almighty God grant you the strength to bear this moment and comfort you with the knowledge that he lived a life of great purpose and service.”
On the late Adeojo, the Minister described him as an illustrious son of Ibadanland who was dedicated to the development of Ibadanland and by extension, Oyo State.
He noted that the deceased’s contributions to societal growth and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people will remain an enduring legacy.
“The passing of Alhaji Yekeen Adeojo is a profound loss not only to his family but also to the entire Ibadanland and all who benefited from his kindness and leadership. His life was a testament to selfless service, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him,” the Minister said.
The Minister also extended his sympathies to the people of Ibadanland and all Nigerians mourning the loss of these illustrious sons of Ibadanland, reaffirming the need to uphold the values of unity, compassion, and service that they championed throughout their lives.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has equally expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Olunloyo, describing his death as the end of a golden era of wisdom, scholarship, and statesmanship in Nigeria.
Alli said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, on Sunday in Ibadan.
The Senator said Olunloyo was a towering intellectual and one of the brightest minds to serve in public office in Nigeria.
He noted that the late elder statesman was not only a former governor but a respected mathematician, engineer, and renowned technocrat whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
“The death of Dr. Olunloyo is a monumental loss to Oyo 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,” Alli said.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the Olunloyo family, the good people of Ibadanland, and the entire Oyo State.