Tinubu mourns former Oyo gov Omololu Olunloyo
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State, describing him as a brilliant scholar and elder statesman whose legacy will endure in Nigeria’s academic and political landscape.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, the Olunloyo family, and all those who respected and admired the late governor.
“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.
Olunloyo, known for his outstanding academic achievements, earned a PhD in applied mathematics and number theory from St. Andrews University in Scotland at the age of 25. By 27, he had become a commissioner in the old Western Region in 1962, and went on to serve multiple terms as commissioner in the successor Western State.
He also made significant contributions to Nigeria’s education sector, serving as the founding rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic, where he helped establish strong academic and administrative foundations.
President Tinubu recalled Olunloyo’s brief stint as governor of the old Oyo State, acknowledging his exceptional leadership despite the short tenure, which was cut short by 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,” the president stated.
He further praised Olunloyo’s dedication to national unity and intellectual advancement, describing his life’s work as “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 added.
