Former Governor of Oyo State, Omololu Olunloyo, has passed away. The news of his demise was not just an announcement; it was a moment that marked the end of an era filled with dedication to public service and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
“With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo.”
As the statement issued in Ibadan on that Sunday morning revealed, Mr. Olunloyo’s journey on this earth came to a close just days before he would have celebrated his 90th birthday. His contributions as governor between October 1 and December 31, 1983, under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), left an indelible mark on Oyo State.
A Life Well-Lived
Born on April 14, 1935, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo was more than just a politician – he was also a mathematician. His upbringing reflected diversity as his father was Christian while his mother followed the Muslim faith until her passing at the remarkable age of 102 in October 2013.
The Early Years
Tragedy struck early in Mr. Olunloyo’s life when his father passed away in December 1948 when he was only 13 years old. Despite this loss, he pursued academic excellence and went on to earn a Ph.D. from St. Andrews University in 1961. His expertise in mathematics shone through his thesis titled “Numerical Determination of the Solutions of Eigenvalue Problems of the Sturm–Liouville Type.”
Trailblazer in Government
Mr. Olunloyo’s foray into government began at a young age when he was appointed Commissioner for Economic Development for the Western Region at just 27 years old back in 1962. Over the years, he held various key positions including Commissioner for Community Development and Education (twice), showcasing his commitment to driving progress and development within society.
Political Journey
In addition to serving as governor and holding significant governmental roles such as Chairman of the Western Nigerian Development Corporation, Mr. Olunloyo actively participated in Nigerian politics throughout his career. He contested for governorship under different party platforms like the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) where he emerged victorious but had his term cut short by political upheavals.
Throughout his political journey that spanned different parties like Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Olunloyo remained dedicated to contributing meaningfully towards societal growth and progress.
As we reflect on the life and times of Omololu Olunloyo, we are reminded that true leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about service to humanity – something that Mr. Oluloyo epitomized during his lifetime.
Let us remember him not only for what he achieved but for how he selflessly served others with unwavering dedication until his last breath.
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