More tributes for ex-Oyo gov Olunloyo

More tributes have continued to pour in for the late former Governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 89.

Political leaders, traditional institutions, and prominent Nigerians joined the Oyo State government in mourning the loss of the revered mathematician, statesman, and administrator.

Among those who paid glowing tributes to the late elder statesman on Monday were former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.

They described Olunloyo as a rare intellectual giant and public servant whose legacy of excellence, humility, and service to the nation would remain indelible.

Akinjide, in a statement she signed, said Chief Olunloyo was a rare gift to the world, adding that the world-class mathematician, consummate administrator, and engineer of repute would be greatly missed.

“As a statesman and former governor of Oyo State, he has left a legacy too difficult to surpass. A world-class mathematician, consummate administrator, and an engineer of repute, he will be greatly missed. Chief Olunloyo was a rare gift to the world.

“Chief Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo was a highly cerebral and principled man whose opinions and advice were invaluable to me. He had a high regard for my late dad, and the respect was mutual. Losing him, albeit at a ripe age, is still a great loss to the nation,” she said.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday, described the death of Olunloyo and prominent businessman and politician, Yekeen Adeojo, as losses of two rare gems of the ancient city.

The PUNCH reports that Adeojo, a Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, died in the early hours of Friday at his Iyaganku Government Reserved Area in Ibadan.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, Oba Olakulehin commiserated with all sons and daughters of Ibadanland over the demise of two prominent Ibadan indigenes.

He noted that the deaths in quick succession had diminished the number in the Ibadan pool of elder statesmen.

Mourning the former governor, Olubadan Olakulehin said, “Olunloyo, a foremost mathematician was a first class brain who stood tall in the Nigerian and international intellectual space.

“His election as Governor of Oyo State was a turning point that blazed the trail for the emergence of Ibadan indigenes as governor of the state.

“We will recall that this was a most defining moment when the Ibadans voted for one of their own, and true to his name, Victor, he became victorious in the gubernatorial electoral battle of 1983. Though short-lived, his tenure was a significant watershed for the state politics.”

He also said the late Adeojo contributed immensely to the economic development of Ibadanland and the state, employing thousands and championing many charitable and philanthropic endeavours.

“As a politician, he was a bridge builder and well respected as a political figure across Nigeria. A devout Muslim, the Islamic community will miss his commitment and devotion to the promotion of the Islamic religion,” the monarch said.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, according to a statement by his Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, said though Olunloyo died at the ripe age of 89, his service as well as his presence were still needed in society.

The monarch said, “For us in Oyo Kingdom, the reverence and love that Olunloyo had for the stool of the Alaafin and Oyo Kingdom shall remain indelible in our hearts.”

He asked the family to be consoled in the fact that the late elder statesman bequeathed a legacy of nobility to the name.

“We thank Eledumare that Olunloyo came, saw and conquered. This should be a huge consolation to the Olunloyos at home and in the diaspora, simply because he has bequeathed an eternal legacy of nobility to the name Olunloyo.

“Painful as his exit may be, Olunloyo lived life to its fullest fruitfulness and was a pride to all The Yorubas,” he said.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, said he received with shock the news of the passage of Olunloyo on Sunday.

In a condolence message to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Iba Adams said, “I was close to the great Olunloyo in the latter part of his life. We spoke regularly, and he regaled me from time to time with the rich history and evolution of the Yoruba people and indeed, Nigeria.”

He said, “As we come to terms with this shocking loss, I commiserate with the late Olunloyo’s family, the Oyo State governor, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde; the Olubadan of Ibadanland; the good people of the state and Yorubaland on the loss of our illustrious son.”

Adams said the late Olunloyo must be immortalised to honour his legacies.