The burial rites of former governor of Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo has begun with a requiem symposium organised by Initiatives for Information, Arts and Culture Development In Nigeria.
The event which held in Ibadan on Wednesday gave eminent Nigerians, scholars, leaders and columnists opportunity to pay glowing tribute to late Olunloyo who died April 6 at the ripe age of 89.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President led the tribute in honour of Dr Olunloyo. He extolled Olunloyo as an extra ordinary intellectual, described him as a man who brilliance touched every field he ventured into.
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“Omololu made everything look effortless. He studied engineering but stood out as a mathematician. He was serious, even when he joked. Beneath the humor was depth,” Obasanjo said, recalling their time together in the government of the old Western Region.
A fellow Alumnus of Government College Ibadan and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka also paid his tribute to late Olunloyo. Soyinka, who took part virtually said Olunloyo was a “Mathematical genius” stressing that his contribution to both academics and politics were enduring and unique.
Dr. Wale Babalakin, a senior lawyer and President of the Government College Ibadan (GCI) Old Boys Association, called Olunloyo a “genius among geniuses,” proudly linking his brilliance to their shared alma mater.
Renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola also spoke at the event, highlighting Olunloyo’s mastery of political language and wit, rooted deeply in Ibadan’s cultural identity.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (represented by Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi), Senator Kola Balogun, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Femi Bamiro, and Chief Bisi Ilaka, former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde.
