Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other prominent Nigerians, including Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, legal luminary Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), and renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola, on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to the late former governor of old Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
Olunloyo died on April 6 at the age of 89.
Dignitaries at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by the Ashipa of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mr. Niyi Ajewole; Senator Kola Balogun; former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Femi Bamiro; and former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Chief Bisi Ilaka, among others.
Obasanjo, who chaired a symposium organized by the Initiative for Information, Arts and Culture Development in Nigeria (IACD) to mark the commencement of Olunloyo’s final burial rites, described him as a scholar, a genius, and a man of books. He said Olunloyo’s intelligence was extraordinary and far beyond the ordinary.
In his remarks delivered via Zoom, Prof. Wole Soyinka described Olunloyo as a mathematical genius whose legacy will never be forgotten. He emphasized that Olunloyo’s impact on both academics and politics was profound.
Dr. Wale Babalakin, Global President of the Government College Ibadan (GCI) Old Boys Association, where Olunloyo was an alumnus, described him as “a genius among geniuses,” noting that the school remains proud of his accomplishments.
Prof.Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, USA, while speaking on “Ibadan: Mythologies and History,” highlighted the city’s rich cultural heritage. He noted that Olunloyo was a master of witty slogans and political insight, which made him a unique figure in Ibadan’s history.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Lasisi Olagunju (Editor, Saturday Tribune), Prof. Biyi Afonja, Prof. Olusoji Ofi, Dr. Tolu Owoaje, and Mr. Dapo Ogunwusi.
