The political and academic communities in Nigeria were thrown into mourning on Sunday following the death of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State.
Dr. Olunloyo, a distinguished mathematician, seasoned politician, and elder statesman, died in the early hours of Sunday after reportedly battling age-related ailments. He was aged 89 and would have clocked 90 in about three months.
Born into the aristocratic Olunloyo family of Ibadan, the late statesman made history in 1983 when he was elected governor of the old Oyo State under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His tenure, however, was short-lived as the military coup of December 1983 abruptly ended the Second Republic and consequently his time in office.
Known for his brilliance and sharp intellect, Olunloyo was widely regarded as the first and only individual to have ruled Ibadan as a distinct administrative unit before the restructuring of states in Nigeria.
A family source who confirmed his passing described his final weeks as a period of intense struggle with age-related health complications.
“The family is currently in mourning and will make burial arrangements public in due course,” the source said.
More details to follow…
