Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the former governor of Oyo State, has died at the age of 89, just days shy of his 90th birthday. His family announced the news in a statement titled “Victor Olunloyo Goes Home,” signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi.
Renowned for his exceptional contributions as a mathematician, engineer, and statesman, Olunloyo earned a PhD in Applied Mathematics and number theory from St. Andrews University in Scotland at the age of 25. He began his political career in 1962, becoming a commissioner in the old Western Region at just 27.
His brief tenure as governor from October to December 1983 was cut short by the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari. Despite this, Olunloyo’s leadership laid the foundation for academic institutions such as The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic, where he served as the founding rector.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences to the Olunloyo family, praising his academic brilliance and contributions to Nigeria. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Olunloyo as a committed leader dedicated to justice and national development.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also mourned Olunloyo, highlighting his intellectual prowess and honoring him during his lifetime by naming significant landmarks after him.
