‘Olunloyo’s Brief Tenure Was Marked By Exceptional Vision And Leadership’, Ex Finance Commissioner Pays Tribute To Ex-Oyo Governor
Former Finance Commissioner, Mr Waheed Akanbi pay a glowing tribute to Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s remarkable academic and professional journey and his fervent belief in education as a transformative tool for national development.
“Dr. Olunloyo will be celebrated in academic circles for his brilliance and foundational contributions to applied mathematics and number theory. As an educator, he profoundly influenced future leaders and fortified educational institutions,” Mr Akanbi said.
Reflecting on Dr. Olunloyo’s tenure as Governor of the old Oyo State, Mr. Akanbi said though his time in office was brief, his tenure was marked by exceptional vision and leadership.
“The demise of this illustrious son of Ibadan is sudden to me despite his old age, I’m not a person given to emotions but the death of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo took the sails out of me because we were planning to celebrate his 90th birthday, Alas, it dawn on me we have lost a gem – an intellectual passè of the highest order.”
“A very brilliant man, simple yet beneath that mien is a powerful and articulate mind that cut across all strata of life. A reservoir of knowledge both modern and native science. Someone who sees tomorrow today. One of my political mentor is gone.”According to the former commissioner,
“I am not crying , nor would I mourn but would celebrate him with a bottle of very cold Star or Heineken beer for a life well spent. He was a jovial man. Sieve through his library, I’m damn sure he predicted his last moments on Mother Earth.
”I recall his advice to me during the Ladoja impeachment period. He called me about 3 am. and asked where I was. Emphatically, he said I should stay away from the Secretariat Agodi that morning, and if I have to go to the office, I should ensure I have a female buba, iro, and gele. That pave my way for escape from battlefield. Secretariat that morning.
Sleep well, Baba. May your soul rest in peace.
E-signed
Waheed Akinlabi Folaranmi Akanbi
Former Finance Commissioner in Governor Rasidi Ladoja Administration
