President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Speaker Oyi State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, on Sunday mourn the death of Dr Victor Olunloyo, the former governor of old Oyo State.
Tinubu extended sympathy to the Olunloyo family and all who knew and respected the late elder statesman and scholar.
The president’s condolence message wss contained in a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman.
“Olunloyo, renowned for his mathematical prowess, obtained a PhD in Applied Mathematics and umber 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.
He further extolled the deceased’s leadership qualities as the founding rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic.
The President emphasused 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,” the President concluded.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also described the passing of late former Oyo- state Governor, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, as a “deep loss”.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday in Abeokuta, he described the late Olunloyo, as a renowned mathematician turned politician that fought for justice persistently.
The Ex-President 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..
The former President said, “It was shocking and worrisome because we had lost heros like Ayo Adebanjo, Edwin Clark and now Dr. Olunloyo just in weeks succession.
“Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s leadership is 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 vein until his last breath.
“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 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.
In a related development, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has described the late Chief Omololu Olunloyo as a man of extraordinary intellect and dedication.
The speaker, expressing deep sorrow over the former state governor’s demise, said on Sunday in a statement that Olunloyo’s contributions to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria remained unparalleled.
Olunloyo passed away on Sunday, a few days before his 90th birthday on April 14.
In a statement, Ogundoyin said it was unfortunate that Oyo State had lost a walking encyclopaedia and a pillar of wisdom in Nigerian politics.
“Olunloyo was not just a leader; he was a beacon of knowledge and a source of inspiration to many. I read a lot about Olunloyo and marvelled at his level of knowledge.
“His legacy as a mathematician, engineer, and technocrat will forever be etched in the annals of history,” the speaker remarked.
Ogundoyin emphasised the late statesman’s unwavering commitment to public service and his profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.
“Olunloyo’s passing is a monumental loss to Oyo State and Nigeria. His wisdom, humility, and dedication to the betterment of society will be sorely missed,” he said.
The speaker extended his condolences to the Olunloyo family, urging them to find solace in their patriarch’s remarkable legacy.
He also called on the people of Oyo State to honour Olunloyo’s memory by upholding the values of unity, integrity, knowledge, and excellence that he exemplified throughout his life. (NAN)
