By Sina BabasolaThe curtain has fallen on a rare life — a life outlined by brilliance, unshakable patriotism, and an unwavering dedication to public service. With the passing of Dr Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo, Nigeria mourns the lack of one in every of its most intellectually gifted, visionary, and deeply principled sons.
Born into the illustrious Olunloyo household of Ibadan, Dr Olunloyo displayed indicators of genius early in life. A mathematical prodigy, he earned a first-class diploma from the College of London and, at an age when most have been nonetheless charting their paths, obtained a Ph.D. in arithmetic — an achievement that positioned him among the many brightest minds not simply in Nigeria, however globally. However his mind was by no means confined to tutorial principle. He was a thinker whose concepts bridged lecture halls, coverage chambers, and political arenas.
In 1983, he grew to become Governor of the previous Oyo State, albeit for a short interval earlier than the army intervention that upended the democratic order. But, even inside that brief time, his governance left an enduring impression. He introduced a technocratic and deeply analytical method to management — emphasising training, infrastructure, and social reform. With the readability of a scholar and the urgency of a statesman, he sought to enhance the lives of his folks.
Olunloyo was a person of many firsts. On the age of 27, he grew to become the youngest Nigerian appointed as Commissioner for Financial Growth. He later served in different capacities together with Commissioner for Schooling, Particular Duties, and Native Authorities within the previous Western Area. His contributions transcended public workplace.
He had a uncommon, virtually encyclopedic grasp of economics, politics, music, and arithmetic — an mental mix that made him each revered and refreshingly distinctive in Nigerian public life.
But, titles alone don’t seize the essence of Dr Olunloyo. He was a person of immense grace, humility, and wit. His knowledge was timeless, and his mentorship was beneficiant. Generations of Nigerians — from college students to political protégés — sought his counsel. He challenged mediocrity, impressed excellence, and remained a fearless voice of fact, even into his later years. His political commentary was sharp but measured, reflective of somebody who carried the gravitas of Nigeria’s founding beliefs whereas conserving tempo with the desires of its youth.
He embodied the spirit of Ibadan — proud, articulate, rooted in heritage, and but cosmopolitan in worldview. He was a bridge between eras, between the visions of our founding fathers and the aspirations of a contemporary Nigeria.
Olunloyo belonged to that uncommon and honorable league of Nigerian statesmen — a category exemplified by the late Justice Mustapha Akanbi — recognized for his or her unwavering integrity, transparency, and incorruptibility. In an period when public workplace is commonly seen as a gateway to private enrichment, Dr Olunloyo remained a beacon of moral management and ethical rectitude.
All through his lengthy and distinguished service — each on the state and federal ranges — he by no means as soon as dipped his arms into the general public coffers. He didn’t exploit his place for private acquire, nor did he accumulate lavish properties in capital cities throughout Nigeria or the Western world, as a lot of his contemporaries have notoriously performed. As a substitute, he selected a lifetime of simplicity and honor, residing within the modest household residence he inherited from his late father in Ibadan.
His way of life was a testomony to humility and self-discipline — values he upheld with quiet dignity. Just like the late Justice Akanbi, he lived not for wealth or fame, however for service, scholarship, and the higher good. These have been males who walked the trail of righteousness, even when it was lonely and fewer rewarding in materials phrases.
What a uncommon legacy of modesty and integrity — one which deserves to be studied, celebrated, and emulated in a rustic craving for true servant-leader. On a private be aware, Olunloyo was greater than a mentor to me — he was a father in each sense of the phrase. His Molete residence in Ibadan was my second residence. His two wives, of their graciousness, usually referred to him as “your father,” a title I embraced with pleasure and emotion. Although not associated by blood, the depth of our bond was stronger than many familial ties. Since his passing, I’ve acquired numerous messages and calls — not simply of condolence, however of shared grief from those that noticed our relationship and recognised the distinctive connection we had. The chorus has been constant: “We heard your baba has handed. Please settle for our condolences.”
What pains me most is lacking the chance to see him one ultimate time. Twice within the final two months, I had deliberate to go to him — however was held again by work and private commitments. Procrastination, that quiet thief, robbed me of a ultimate farewell.
Olunloyo was not solely a person of knowledge but in addition of extraordinary generosity. When he had, he gave freely — with out expectation. His residence was greater than a spot of consolation; it was a sanctuary of information. His library was a hive of mental exercise — college students, researchers, and guests often gathered there to be taught, talk about, and debate.He formed my life in additional methods than one.
At pivotal factors in my profession and private journey, I turned to him. He was candid in his recommendation — particularly when it got here to issues of the center. I keep in mind vividly his counsel once I was emotionally concerned with the daughter of a outstanding Yoruba royal. Realizing his shut ties to the royal household, I assumed I had his unstated assist. I used to be fallacious. He gently however firmly suggested towards the union — not due to any fault within the girl or her household, however as a result of, in his phrases, my career and profession trajectory couldn’t accommodate the issues that such a wedding may convey. It was heartbreaking, however in hindsight, smart. He known as every day for 2 weeks to make sure I heeded his recommendation. That was the form of mentor he was — attentive, invested, and at all times guiding.
For the previous two years, I had been urging him to write down his memoirs or fee a biography. He finally did entrust the duty to 2 people, however sadly, the mission didn’t meet his expectations. He as soon as advised me, with a tinge of remorse, that it was maybe one of many few unmet objectives in his in any other case fulfilling life. I had deliberate to go to him once more for his ninetieth birthday — to lastly persuade him to revisit the concept. However the Grasp of the Universe had different plans.
As we mourn, we additionally rejoice. We rejoice a life lived with goal, ardour, and precept. Dr Omololu Olunloyo was a titan — a scholar, a patriot, a statesman, a father, and a mentor. His footprints are etched within the sands of academia, politics, and human hearts. He might have taken his ultimate bow, however his legacy reverberates — in each coverage formed by his concepts, in each pupil he impressed, in each life he touched.Relaxation effectively, Baba. A genius. A patriot. A real son of Nigeria.You’ll by no means be forgotten.Babasola, PhD despatched this piece from Abuja.
