Former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has passed away just days before his 90th birthday
The news was confirmed in a family statement signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on Sunday. Titled ‘Victor Olunloyo Goes Home’, the statement read 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.”
The family described him as “The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife,” noting that he served as the first Rector of both Ibadan Polytechnic and Kwara State Polytechnic, among several other distinguished appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event,” the statement added.
They also appealed for public understanding as preparations begin for his burial.
Olunloyo, a respected elder statesman, was the subject of a death rumour in April 2024. At the time, he dismissed the reports in an interview with The PUNCH, declaring, “I’m still here, not yet gone.”
Expressing his concern about such rumours, he said, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day. I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
He also recalled a similar incident in June 2022, when it was falsely reported that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The family later clarified that he was battling age-related health complications and called for prayers.
Dr. Olunloyo’s contributions to education, governance, and public service remain part of his enduring legacy.
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Death is the end of it all
RIP
He has gone to rest