Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a renowned Nigerian mathematician and politician, passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 90. His remarkable life was marked by a distinguished career in academia and politics, leaving an indelible mark on the nation ¹.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 14, 1935, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Olunloyo’s academic prowess was evident from an early age. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews in 1961, with a thesis on numerical determination of solutions to eigenvalue problems of the Sturm-Liouville type. His intellectual curiosity and expertise in mathematics paved the way for a successful career in academia and politics ¹ ².
A Trailblazing Career
Olunloyo’s entry into politics was swift and decisive. At 27, he became the youngest Commissioner in the Western Region, serving in various capacities, including Commissioner for Economic Development, Education, and Chieftaincy Affairs. His crowning achievements included playing a key role in the enthronement of two prominent Nigerian monarchs: the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, King Oyewunmi ¹.
Governor of Oyo State
In 1983, Olunloyo’s leadership skills earned him the governorship of Oyo State on the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) platform. Despite his victory being short-lived due to the military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari, Olunloyo’s tenure left a lasting impact on the state. The controversy surrounding the election results, which were allegedly stolen from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led to widespread protests and violence in the old Ondo State. However, in Oyo State, Ibadans rallied behind Olunloyo, showcasing their support for his leadership ¹.
Legacy
Throughout his life, Olunloyo remained committed to public service and nation-building. His later years saw him take on various roles, including chairman of the PDP Planning and Strategy Committee for Ibadanland and chairman of the PDP Media and Publicity Committee for Oyo State. His passing leaves a void in Nigerian politics and academia, but his legacy as a dedicated public servant and intellectual giant will endure ¹.