Tribute to Omololu Olunloyo: A renaissance man of Nigeria

BY SINA BABASOLA

The curtain has fallen on an extraordinary life — a life defined by brilliance, unshakable patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to public service. With the passing of Dr. Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo, Nigeria mourns the loss of one of its most intellectually gifted, visionary, and deeply principled sons.

Born into the illustrious Olunloyo family of Ibadan, Dr. Olunloyo displayed signs of genius early in life. A mathematical prodigy, he earned a first-class degree from the University of London and, at an age when most were still charting their paths, obtained a Ph.D. in mathematics — an achievement that placed him among the brightest minds not just in Nigeria, but globally. But his intellect was never confined to academic theory. He was a thinker whose ideas bridged lecture halls, policy chambers, and political arenas.

In 1983, he became Governor of the old Oyo State, albeit for a brief period before the military intervention that upended the democratic order. Yet, even within that short time, his governance left a lasting impression. He brought a technocratic and deeply analytical approach to leadership — emphasizing education, infrastructure, and social reform. With the clarity of a scholar and the urgency of a statesman, he sought to improve the lives of his people.

Dr. Olunloyo was a man of many firsts. At the age of 27, he became the youngest Nigerian appointed as commissioner for economic development. He later served in other capacities including commissioner for education, special duties, and local government in the old Western Region. His contributions transcended public office. He had a rare, almost encyclopedic grasp of economics, politics, music, and mathematics — an intellectual blend that made him both revered and refreshingly unique in Nigerian public life.

Yet, titles alone do not capture the essence of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo. He was a man of immense grace, humility, and wit. His wisdom was timeless, and his mentorship was generous. Generations of Nigerians — from students to political protégés — sought his counsel. He challenged mediocrity, inspired excellence, and remained a fearless voice of truth, even into his later years. His political commentary was sharp yet measured, reflective of someone who carried the gravitas of Nigeria’s founding ideals while keeping pace with the dreams of its youth.

He embodied the spirit of Ibadan — proud, articulate, rooted in heritage, and yet cosmopolitan in worldview. He was a bridge between eras, between the visions of our founding fathers and the aspirations of a modern Nigeria.

Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo belonged to that rare and honourable league of Nigerian statesmen — a class exemplified by the late Justice Mustapha Akanbi — known for their unwavering integrity, transparency, and incorruptibility. In an era when public office is often seen as a gateway to personal enrichment, Dr. Olunloyo remained a beacon of ethical leadership and moral rectitude.

Throughout his long and distinguished service — both at the state and federal levels — he never once dipped his hands into the public coffers. He did not exploit his position for personal gain, nor did he accumulate lavish properties in capital cities across Nigeria or the Western world, as many of his contemporaries have notoriously done. Instead, he chose a life of simplicity and honour, residing in the modest family home he inherited from his late father in Ibadan.

His lifestyle was a testament to humility and self-discipline — values he upheld with quiet dignity. Like the late Justice Akanbi, he lived not for wealth or fame, but for service, scholarship, and the greater good. These were men who walked the path of righteousness, even when it was lonely and less rewarding in material terms.

What a rare legacy of modesty and integrity — one that deserves to be studied, celebrated, and emulated in a country yearning for true servant-leader.

On a personal note, Dr. Olunloyo was more than a mentor to me — he was a father in every sense of the word. His Molete residence in Ibadan was my second home. His two wives, in their graciousness, often referred to him as “your father,” a title I embraced with pride and emotion. Though not related by blood, the depth of our bond was stronger than many familial ties. Since his passing, I have received countless messages and calls — not just of condolence, but of shared grief from those who saw our relationship and recognized the unique connection we had. The refrain has been consistent: “We heard your baba has passed. Please accept our condolences.”

What pains me most is missing the opportunity to see him one final time. Twice in the last two months, I had planned to visit him — but was held back by work and personal commitments. Procrastination, that quiet thief, robbed me of a final farewell.

Dr. Olunloyo was not only a man of wisdom but also of extraordinary generosity. When he had, he gave freely — without expectation. His home was more than a place of comfort; it was a sanctuary of knowledge. His library was a hive of intellectual activity — students, researchers, and visitors regularly gathered there to learn, discuss, and debate.

He shaped my life in more ways than one. At pivotal points in my career and personal journey, I turned to him. He was candid in his advice — especially when it came to matters of the heart. I remember vividly his counsel when I was emotionally involved with the daughter of a prominent Yoruba royal. Knowing his close ties to the royal family, I assumed I had his unspoken support. I was wrong. He gently but firmly advised against the union — not because of any fault in the lady or her family, but because, in his words, my profession and career trajectory could not accommodate the complications that such a marriage might bring. It was heartbreaking, but in hindsight, wise. He called daily for two weeks to ensure I heeded his advice. That was the kind of mentor he was — attentive, invested, and always guiding.

For the past two years, I had been urging him to write his memoirs or commission a biography. He eventually did entrust the task to two individuals, but sadly, the project did not meet his expectations. He once told me, with a tinge of regret, that it was perhaps one of the few unmet goals in his otherwise fulfilling life. I had planned to visit him again for his 90th birthday — to finally persuade him to revisit the idea. But the Master of the Universe had other plans.

As we mourn, we also celebrate. We celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion, and principle. Dr. Omololu Olunloyo was a titan — a scholar, a patriot, a statesman, a father, and a mentor. His footprints are etched in the sands of academia, politics, and human hearts. He may have taken his final bow, but his legacy reverberates — in every policy shaped by his ideas, in every student he inspired, in every life he touched.
Rest well, Baba.

A genius. A patriot. A true son of Nigeria.

You will never be forgotten.