President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Oyo State following the passing of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the former governor of the old Oyo State.
The president, on behalf of the Federal Government, extended sympathies to the Olunloyo family and all who knew and respected the late elder statesman and scholar.
Also, The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State, particularly the Olunloyo family, over the demise of the former governor.
The Chairman of the Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, stated this in a statement by the forum’s Director-General, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, on Monday in Abuja.
Dr. Olunloyo, renowned for his mathematical prowess, obtained a PhD in applied mathematics and number theory from St. Andrews University in Scotland at 25. In 1962, at just 27, he became a commissioner in the old Western Region. He served multiple times as commissioner in the Western State, which succeeded the Western Region.
His leadership as the founding rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic established enduring academic and administrative foundations in the two institutions.
President Tinubu paid tribute to Dr Olunloyo’s remarkable academic and professional journey and his fervent 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,” President Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on Dr. Olunloyo’s tenure as governor of the old Oyo State, President Tinubu remarks: “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.”
President Tinubu further applauded the late governor for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and intellectual advancement, emphasising that his contributions will remain 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, ” the President concluded.
Olunloyo, who governed Oyo State between October 1983 and December 1983 died at 89, on Saturday, few days to his 90th birthday on April 14.
Governor Mohammed said that the forum was saddened by the demise of Dr Olunloyo, who he described as a “complete gentleman; an exceptional sage, iconic patriot, a devoted elder statesman and devout Christian.”
The forum noted that Olunloyo dedicated his life to the service of God, stability and growth of his people and the good of humanity at large; aside being a strong voice for the South West region.
“The late mathematician, engineer and renowned technocrat will be greatly missed by the people and government of Oyo and Kwara States, and the country at large.
“He will also be missed by the entire academic community, especially when the great legacies he laid during his time as the Pioneer Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic and founding Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, where he helped establish strong academic and administrative foundations.
“Even as his brilliance and foundational contributions to applied mathematics and number theory are remembered. As an educator, he profoundly influenced future leaders and fortified educational institutions,” Mohammed said.
He said that with the passage of the Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Oyo State has lost a treasure of inestimable value, a nationalist par excellence.
The chairman of the forum also described the deceased as a “distinguished patriot, who unrelentingly dedicated his whole life to the selfless service of the people.
Mohammed, however, said that the forum was consoled by the fact that the government had immortalise Pa Olunloyo in his lifetime.
He added that the forum was also happy that Pa Olunloyo was present to witness the moment when the Ibadan Airport Road and the Leisure Park on the axis were named after him in recognition of his service to the state.
He prayed that the Almighty God accept the soul of the departed and comfort those left to mourn him.
(NAN)
