Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, expressed sadness over the death of the renowned Mathematician and former Oyo State governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo whose death occured at the age of 89.
Obasanjo described Olunloyo as “a patriotic Nigerian who stood for justice, peace and progress of the country till his last days on earth.”
In a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Obasanjo lamented that “another notable Nigerian with deep blood of patriotism running in his veins” has exited.
The former President restated as worrisome, the depleting ranks of the nation’s leaders, particularly at this crucial state of the country when their wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed.
“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”.
While commiserating with the Oyo State governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, the government and good people of the state, Obasanjo urged them to be consoled them by the facts that late Olunloyo lived a life worthy of communal emulation.
“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,” Obasanjo prayed.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun described Olunloyo’s passage as “a great loss to Nigeria and intellectuals around the world”.
Governor Abiodun expressed the Forum’s condolences with the Governor Makinde, emphasising that late Olunloyo’s unique achievements was of “a prodigious scholar, a reputable octogenarian with a sharp memory”.
“Alas, like many giants before him, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo has gone to rest. Although a scientist, Baba loved reciting poetry, particularly those by William Shakespeare, and, remarkably, did not read with glasses even in his old age.
“He was always on hand to offer wise counsel to the present generation of leaders, regardless of party affiliation.
“The story of his exemplary accomplishments as a student is well told. For instance, he was one of the 10 students who were given scholarships out of the 2,002 students who applied to Government College, Ibadan, in 1947.
“Remarkably, out of those ten brilliant students, he was the only one who came from Standard 5; all the others had already completed Standard 6.
“Dr. Olunloyo did his Higher School Certificate in three months, came first in all of the old Ibadan Province, and got admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the oldest Scottish university, the University of St Andrews.
“Because of his exceptional brilliance, he succeeded in persuading the university to let him begin his studies in 200 level and graduated with First Class honours at age 26, going on to become a state commissioner at just 27,” Governor Abiodun recalled.
He commiserates, on behalf of the Forum, with Governor Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State on the great loss.
LEADERSHIP reports that Dr Olunloyo died on Sunday at the age of 89, few days to his 90th birthday on April 14th.
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