Former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Omololu Olunloyo, has died at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday.
The elder statesman, a revered mathematician, engineer, and technocrat, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, April 6.
His death was confirmed in a statement issued by Barrister Oladapo Ogunwusi, who expressed the family’s grief while honouring Olunloyo’s life of service. “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.
Olunloyo, who held the chieftaincy titles of Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, was widely recognised for his contributions to academia and public service. He served as the first Rector of both Ibadan Polytechnic and Kwara State Polytechnic and held several notable positions throughout his career.
“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,” the statement noted.
“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 [loss],” it added.
The family appealed for privacy during their period of mourning. “The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.”