By Lukman Olabiyi
President Bola Tinubu, South-West Governors’ Forum and former president, Olusegun Obasanjo have mourned the passing of the Second Republic Governor of old Oyo State, Dr Victor Olunloyo.
Tinubu extended sympathy to the Olunloyo family and all who knew and respected the late elder statesman and scholar.
President Tinubu emphasised Olunloyo’s academic and professional journey and his 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,” 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.”
The president lauded the late governor over his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and intellectual advancement, emphasising that his contributions would remain enduring milestones in Nigeria’s history.
“May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and bring solace to all who mourn this distinguished statesman,” he noted.
Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, conveyed his condolences through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
He sympathised with the government and people of Oyo State, expressing sadness over the death of Olunloyo.
“The Forum condoles with Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olunloyo family, friends and associates. Dr Olunloyo lived a fulfilled and impactful life.”
The Lagos State Government also extended sympathy to all connected with the late former Governor of Oyo State.
Sanwo-Olu described the passing of Olunloyo, a renowned mathematician and scholar, as deeply painful.
He noted that Olunloyo’s death, only days before his 90th birthday, was a huge loss to Oyo, the South-West and Nigeria.
“On behalf of my family, the government and Lagos residents, I commiserate with Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State.
“I also extend heartfelt sympathy to the immediate Olunloyo family, Ibadan indigenes, and friends of the deceased,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Olunloyo, he said, was more than a politician—he was a distinguished figure in public service, academia and education.
In his reaction, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, described his passing as a deep loss.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, in Abeokuta, he described the late Olunloyo, as a renowned mathematician turned politician that fought for justice persistently.
He, however, decried the depleting ranks of the nation leaders, particularly at this crucial time .
He said the loss of the heros at this crucial point the country needed their wise counsel and rich experience was worrisome..
“It was shocking and worrisome because we had lost heros like Ayo Adebanjo, 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.”
He buttressed that the late Olunloyo stood for peace, progress and remained one of the notable Nigerians with deep blood of patriotism running in their veins until his last breath.
“The late former governor became a commissioner in the old Western region at 27 years -old before he served as the Governor of Oyo- State before the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari seized power.
“He was also the Balogun of Oyo Kingdom,” he said.
He commiserated with the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and the good people of the state.
“Be consoled for the fact that Olunloyo lived a life worthy of communal emulation and touched the souls of rural dwellers.
“We pray the good Lord to grant the soul of Dr. Olunloyo a peaceful rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Obasanjo said.
Olunloyo was the first Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and a well-respected scholar and technocrat.
Olunloyo governed the old Oyo State from October 1 to 31 December 31, 1983.
He served previously as Commissioner for Economic Development in the Western Region at just 27 years old.
Olunloyo later held portfolios in Community Development, Education, Special Duties, Local Government, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Sanwo-Olu recalled that, as a Governor, Oluloyo contributed meaningfully to Oyo State’s development and remained a respected political figure.
He prayed that God grants Olunloyo eternal rest and comforts his family, the people of Oyo State, and the entire South-West.
Olunloyo passed away on Saturday, at approximately 1:40 a.m. He died just days before his 90th birthday, which would have been on April 14.