- Safiu Kehinde
Former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has reportedly died at the age of 89 in Ibadan.
Olunloyo, a celebrated Mathematician, was Governor of Oyo State (which included the present Osun State) from October 1, 1983 to December 18, 1983 when the military struck.
Though no official statement has been released from the family, a media entrepreneur and publisher of Ovation Dele Momodu expressed regrets in the early hours of Sunday that the 90th birthday celebration of the political figure was just being arranged for April 14.
“Good night our dearest Daddy DR VICTOR OMOLOLU SOWEMIMO OLUNLOYO, former Governor of Oyo State, Engineer, Mathematician, Literati, Historian and Genius at large… We were just planning your forthcoming 90th birthday on April 14, 2025” Momodu wrote.
Confirming the death of Olunkoyo, on behalf of the family, a former Editor of the Nigerian Tribune Oladapo Ogunwusi said “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 Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo, was the first Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, among other notable appointments. His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates, even as we come to grip with this devastating event. “The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.”