Elder statesman and a former governor of the old Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has been described as a pride of Ibadanland, nay the state.
Senator Kola Balogun stated this in a congratulatory message to celebrate the 88th birthday of the renowned mathematician cum politician.
The senator, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, further described the former governor as a forthright man who speaks truth to power, not minding whose ox is gored.
“Baba, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, represents many things to many people. But for me and several others, he is our pride in Ibadanland and Oyo State.
“He has broken so many records, both as an academic and also as a politician, even when the odds were seemingly against him.
“Former Governor Victor Omololu Olunloyo achieved a very great success as a proven academic who earned a Ph.D in Mathematic at a very tender age of 25.
“As an accomplished academic, baba is widely read and he has published several papers on number theory and applied mathematics.
“As leading light in Ibadanland, Dr Olunloyo came to public limelight at a very young age when he was appointed Commissioner for Economic Development for Western Region in 1962 at the age of 27.
“This was a region that now comprises of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun states and some parts of Edo and Delta state. This was a no mean achievement at such an age.
“As a further proof of his capacity and capability, he was re-appointed when the late General Adeyinka Adebayo was appointed military governor of the Western State.
“A man of proven character and integrity, former Governor Olunloyo has variously served as Commissioner for Community Development, Education, Special Duties, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“As Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, baba supervised the installation of two prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State namely, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade II.
“Baba crowned his glorious career by becoming the first Ibadan man to occupy the exalted seat of the Governor of Oyo State in 1983.
“The 1983 governorship was a sui generis in the political history of Oyo State. Baba Olunloyo defeated an incumbent governor to emerge as the first Ibadan man to become the governor of the old Oyo State.
“While he is well advanced in age, he has continued to remain relevant in the scheme of things. Several governors in the state, both past and present, still consult with him on the affairs of the state.
“My wife, Mrs Gbonjubola Kola-Balogun and I join several others to celebrate Baba Omololu Olunloyo as he marks his 88th birthday on earth today.
“My prayer is that God will continue to grant him good health in his continued service to the people, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Senator Balogun stated in the statement.
