Former Oyo Governor, Victor Omololu Olunloyo, Dies at 89

In a somber turn of events, Nigeria has lost a prominent political figure and intellectual. Chief Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the former governor of Oyo State, passed away in the early hours of today, just days before his 90th birthday.

Olunloyo's life was a tapestry woven with threads of mathematics, engineering, and turbulent political engagement. Born on April 14, 1935, in Ibadan, his journey took him through the corridors of academia and into the volatile landscape of Nigerian politics.

Here's a breakdown of what we know:

Olunloyo was a renowned mathematician and engineer, establishing a legacy that extended beyond the political arena. He held key academic positions, including serving as the first Rector of the Polytechnic of Ibadan and the pioneer Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic. His time as the governor of Oyo State, from October 1 to December 31, 1983, was notably short-lived.

His governorship was abruptly cut short by the military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari. That very short tenure was also very controversial. His familial background is a point of interesting contrast, with a Christian father and a Muslim mother. His father, Horatio Olunloyo, was a very accomplished man in his own right. His daughter, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo, is a very well known and controversial figure in the Nigerian media landscape. Olunloyo's life was marked by both significant contributions and political controversies. He held traditional titles, such as the Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife.

The news of his passing has resonated across Nigeria, prompting reflections on his complex legacy. While his political career was relatively brief, his impact on education and his contributions to the intellectual discourse in Nigeria are undeniable.

The nation now mourns the loss of a figure whose life story embodied the turbulent and transformative periods in Nigeria's history.