By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described ex – governor of Oyo State and renowned Mathematician, Chief Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo as a patriotic Nigerian who stood for justice, peace and progress of the country till his last days on earth.
The Daily Crucible reports that Pa Victor Olunloyo died a few days before his 90th birthday.
A statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ and signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family states: “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 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.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
However, reacting to the passing of the late Mathematician turned politician on Sunday, Obasanjo said Olunloyo, remained one of the notable Nigerians with deep blood of patriotism running in their veins.
In a statement by this Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President restated the depleting ranks of the nation leaders particularly at this crucial state of the country when their wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed was worrisome.
“It was shocking and worrisome because we had lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief 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, particularly at this crucial state in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.”
Obasanjo commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and good people of the state and consoled them by the facts that Dr. Olunloyo lived a life worthy of communal emulation, touched the soul of his community and he is mourned by all.
“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.”
Late Olunloyo was a Commissioner in the old Western region at age 27, before he served as the Governor of Oyo State from 1st October 1983 to 31st December 1983, before the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari seized power and truncated the democracy of the Second Republic. He was also the Balogun of Oyo Kingdom
