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.



https://punchng.com/tinubu-obasanjo-makinde-mourn-as-ex-oyo-gov-olunloyo-dies-at-89/