President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, who passed on at the age of 89.[jeg_weather location=”” auto_location=”false” count=”4″
In a condolence message on Saturday, President Tinubu described the late elder statesman as a brilliant scholar, visionary leader, and committed patriot whose contributions to Nigeria’s academic and political development will remain indelible.
The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as the Olunloyo family, over the demise of the former governor of the old Oyo State.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu paid glowing tribute to Olunloyo’s academic feats, recalling how the late scholar obtained a PhD in applied mathematics and number theory from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland at the young age of 25.
He further noted that Olunloyo’s rise to public service began early, becoming a commissioner in the old Western Region at 27. He would later serve in various capacities in the Western State and later as the founding rector of both The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic — institutions where his leadership helped lay strong academic and administrative foundations.
Reflecting on his short-lived tenure as governor of the old Oyo State in the Second Republic, Tinubu acknowledged Olunloyo’s vision and uncommon leadership within the brief period before the military intervention.
“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 noted.
He described the late technocrat as a staunch believer in education as a tool for national transformation and praised his unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and bring solace to all who mourn this distinguished statesman,” Tinubu prayed.
Dr. Olunloyo, a native of Ibadan, was one of the country’s foremost intellectuals, public servants, and elder statesmen. He is survived by children and grandchildren, including his daughter, Kemi Olunloyo, a journalist
