Former governor of Oyo State and respected elder statesman, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has passed away just days before marking his 90th birthday. His death was confirmed in a family statement released on Sunday.
The statement available to Grassroots Parrot titled “Victor Olunloyo Goes Home”, was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the Olunloyo family. It reads in part:
“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.”
Dr. Olunloyo, who held the traditional titles of Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, had an illustrious career in public service and academia.
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He was notably the first Rector of both The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and Kwara State Polytechnic, contributing significantly to the development of tertiary education in Nigeria.
A revered technocrat, Olunloyo was widely known for his brilliance in mathematics and engineering and for serving Oyo State briefly as governor during the Second Republic in 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
The family described his legacy as one that brings pride, noting that his service to the nation and humanity would remain etched in history.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial,” the statement added.
His passing comes nearly a year after he debunked false reports of his death in April 2024. In a candid conversation with journalists at his Molete residence in Ibadan, he had remarked: “I’m still here, not yet gone.”
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He went on to reflect on the inevitability of death, saying, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day,” while expressing gratitude for his longevity.
“My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age,” he had said then.
Olunloyo had also previously addressed a similar death rumour in June 2022, which falsely claimed he died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan. The family had then clarified that he was alive but battling age-related health conditions, urging Nigerians to keep him in their prayers.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.