Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, ex-governor Rasidi Ladoja and Oyo South senator, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, have extolled the virtues of a former governor of the state, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo.
They spoke in separate messages made available to Arogidigba Global Journal on Sunday.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that Olunloyo who ruled the state as governor between October and December 1983 died in the early hours of Sunday.
Makinde, in a statement signed his Special Assistant on Print Media, Moses Alao, noted that Oyo State has lost a cerebral, patriotic leader.
He described the death of the former governor as the exit of one Oyo and Nigeria’s most cerebral former administrators.
He used the opportunity to commiserate with the entire Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.
Makinde 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 life time 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.”
Ladoja in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, described Olunloyo as incorruptible.
He described the passing of the renowned mathematician, engineer and technocrat as the exit of a titan.
Ladoja while speaking further maintained that Olunloyo was a man of many parts who left his footprints on the sands of time.
He added that 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 said, “He became Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy in Koye Majekodunmi era in the defunct Western region,and later Commissioner under Military Governor Adeyinka Adebayo.
“You will recall that as old Oyo State former Governor,Olunloyo who would have been 90 next month tried his best,even though he had a short tenure.He gave a good account of himself as one of the most officed persons with a long public service record in Nigeria.
“He was a rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, executive chairman of different scientific research institutes in Nigeria.The greatest legacy of Olunloyo’s long service record was his incorruptibility.”
Alli in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, said Nigeria has lost a rare intellectual giant.
The All Progressives Congress lawmaker, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Oyo governor.
He described the death of Olunloyo as the end of a golden era of wisdom, scholarship, and statesmanship in Nigeria.
“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.
“We have lost a gem, a leader with rare intellect and an elder whose counsel was always profound.
“May Almighty God rest his soul in peace and grant us all the strength to bear this great loss,” Alli said.