By Sola Ojewusi
IBADAN — Former Governor of Oyo State and revered technocrat, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has died just days before his 90th birthday.
The news of his passing in the early hours of Sunday was confirmed in a statement by Barrister Oladapo Ogunwusi, a former Editor of the Nigerian Tribune.
“With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer, and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday,” the statement read.
Dr. Olunloyo was a man of many firsts. He made history as the first Rector of both The Polytechnic, Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic, bringing academic excellence and administrative reforms to the institutions. He served briefly as Governor of Oyo State in the Second Republic under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), earning a reputation as a brilliant mind with a commitment to public service and national development.
Beyond politics, he held the traditional titles of Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, reflecting his deep cultural roots and influence within the Yoruba sociopolitical landscape.
Described by many as a genius in mathematics and engineering, Dr. Olunloyo’s contributions to the development of Nigeria spanned academia, governance, and community leadership. His death marks the end of a remarkable era in Oyo State’s political and intellectual history.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial,” the statement concluded.
Tributes have started pouring in from across the nation, with many highlighting his towering intellect, integrity, and commitment to national progress..
