Onaolapo Soleye, ex-minister of finance, is dead – four days after 90th birthday

Onaolapo Soleye, a former minister of finance during the Muhammadu Buhari’s regime as head of state, is dead.

A statement by his family on Wednesday said Soleye died at the age of 90.

He celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday.

“With heavy hearts but with gratitude to God Almighty for a long, impactful and positively eventful life, the family announce the passing of Pa Dr Onaolapo Soleye, the father of our late brother, Maj Gen OO Soleye (retd.). He turned 90 years only last Saturday,” the statement reads.

“Papa served the country and humanity in various capacities rising to the position of an Associate Professor in the University of Ibadan, Commissioner for Works in Ogun State and Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among others.

“He was a true lover of God and humanity, and this translated into his unwavering commitment to church activities as well as ready support and assistance to all who came across him, in any way that he could.

“The loss of Dr Soleye is surely not that of the Soleye family alone. It’s our father that has just passed and we must all prepare to be part of his rites of passage.

“Burial details will be announced by the family in due course. Until then, please pray for the repose of Papa’s soul and God’s comfort upon his family and other loved ones.”

‘HE DILIGENTLY SERVED NIGERIA’

Former President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement by Garba Shehu, his spokesperson, described Soleye as a rare gentleman and an expert in financial matters who served the nation diligently.

“Soleye played a pivotal role in that short, corrective administration. His rich administrative and financial experiences were contributory to whatever achievements we recorded at that time. He diligently served Nigeria. His wit, intellect, diligence and warm personality were legendary,” the statement reads.

“May the Almighty give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.”