Nigeria is mourning the death of one of its brightest minds, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the former Governor of Oyo State and a renowned mathematician. Dr Olunloyo passed away in the early hours of Sunday, just days before his 90th birthday, which would have been on April 14, 2025.
His death has triggered a wave of grief across the country, with tributes pouring in from President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and many other notable Nigerians.
The former governor, known for his unmatched intellect and love for numbers, died at about 1:40 am and his remains have been deposited at a private mortuary in Ibadan. Dr Olunloyo had a long and illustrious career in public service. He first served as a commissioner in the old Western Region at the young age of 27 and later became Governor of Oyo State in 1983. However, his tenure was cut short after just three months by the military takeover led by then-General Muhammadu Buhari.
President Bola Tinubu, in a heartfelt message through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described Dr Olunloyo as a giant in the field of mathematics and a rare kind of public servant. He noted that Olunloyo, who earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory at just 25 years of age from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, will be remembered for his academic brilliance and national contributions.
“Dr Olunloyo will be celebrated in academic circles for his foundational contributions to applied mathematics and number theory,” Tinubu said. “Though his time in office was short, his legacy endures.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also paid glowing tribute to the deceased, calling him a patriotic Nigerian who lived a life of justice, peace, and dedication to the nation. Obasanjo remarked that Olunloyo belonged to a fast-depleting group of leaders whose wisdom and experience are needed now more than ever.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the death of Olunloyo as a huge loss to the state and Nigeria. He said he took comfort in the fact that Olunloyo was honoured during his lifetime, with major landmarks such as the Ibadan Airport Road and the Ibadan Leisure Park named after him.
“In Olunloyo, we have lost another icon,” Makinde said. “He was a highly cerebral and patriotic leader who served Oyo State with integrity and brilliance. I was looking forward to celebrating his 90th birthday with him.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, speaking on behalf of the Southern Governors Forum, also mourned the loss. He called Olunloyo a titan whose legacies in academia and governance should make every Nigerian proud. “He was a genius even among geniuses,” he said.
Dr Olunloyo was not just known for his academic achievements in mathematics. Many who paid tribute also spoke about his vast knowledge in literature, history, and even music. The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, called him “Nigeria’s Albert Einstein” and noted how Olunloyo could recite long passages from Shakespeare and discuss classical music with ease.
“He was a man of many parts,” said Adedeji. “A library has burned down with his passing.”
Former Governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, remembered a recent visit from Olunloyo just two weeks ago. “He was in a wheelchair, but we chatted for over an hour. I didn’t know he came to bid me farewell,” Ladoja said, recalling his friend with emotion.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli described Olunloyo’s death as the end of a golden era. “He was one of the brightest minds to ever serve in public office,” he said.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed sadness at the loss of what he called a “walking encyclopaedia.” He praised Olunloyo’s commitment to education and good governance, saying his legacy would live on in the hearts of many.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, through its leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said Olunloyo’s life was one of service, intellect, and integrity. “His vision for a better future, leadership, and commitment to the people of Oyo State will forever be remembered,” the group said.
Also reacting, a former Postmaster General of Nigeria, Ismail Adewusi, described the late Dr Olunloyo as a rare gift that Nigeria never fully appreciated. “He was a global phenomenon in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory,” Adewusi said.
Despite his achievements, those who knew him say he remained humble and deeply committed to the betterment of society. He was a man who valued merit, despised mediocrity, and dedicated his life to knowledge and service.
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The death of Dr Victor Olunloyo is more than the passing of a former governor; it is the loss of a brilliant scholar and one of the finest minds Nigeria has ever produced. His name, particularly among mathematicians, will continue to resonate for generations. The people of Oyo State and indeed all of Nigeria will remember him as a leader who combined intellectual depth with public service and left behind a legacy that time will not erase.
