Today, Tuesday 16th April, 2024, Ibadan Indigenes, under the leadership of Chief (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, President -General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes paid a visit to celebrate Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo on his 89th birth anniversary at his Molete residence.
According to Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola, the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee Chairman who led the delegation, he described Pa. Engineer Dr .Victor Omololu Olunloyo as a reservoir of knowledge, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Ibadanland, Nigeria and the world at large, earning a PHD at age 25 years, among others.
“Dr. Omololu Olunloyo is notably one of Africa’s most brilliant scholars, a forthright and highly cerebral Mathematician and a walking encyclopaedia whose uncommon vast historical knowledge on Ibadan, Yoruba, Africa and the whole world is second to none”
Part of the anniversary letter reads “As a public administrator per excellence, as an engineer by training and a world standard Mathematical Authority, it will also be noted of your impressive private studies and authority in Law. You are indeed a moving encyclopedia and a man of many parts.
“We recall how you intervened and resolved many critical Obaship litigations and legal bottlenecks with uncompromised legendary historical facts. The list is endless”
Dr. Olunloyo’s journey of service and excellence spans decades, marked by outstanding achievements in various spheres. As a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and later as the governor of the Old Oyo State, his leadership was characterized by vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the people.
During his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Olunloyo played a pivotal role in the development and governance of local communities, most especially seeing to the successful crowning of two prominent kings in Oyo State, the late Alaafin of Oyo & late Soun of Ogbomoso.
“You were appointed Commissioner for Economic Development for the Western Region in 1962 at the age of 27, in the cabinet of Dr. Moses Majekodunmi. You were also re-appointed when Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo was appointed military governor of Western State. That was another record unbroken”
“You were at one time or the other, Commissioner for Community Development, a two time Commissioner for Education ; Commissioner for Special Duties, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Oyo State which includes crowning of two of Nigeria’s monarchs namely the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and the Soun of Ogbomosho Oba Oyewunmi Ajagungbade”
As governor of the Old Oyo State, Dr. Olunloyo’s adminstration short but exceptional, left an indelible legacy of progress and transformation. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives aimed at infrastructure development, education reform, and economic empowerment. Under his leadership, significant strides were made in sectors crucial to the well-being of the people, solidifying his reputation as a leader of vision and action.
Beyond his political achievements, Dr. Olunloyo is also celebrated as a world-renowned mathematician, whose knowledge has contributed immensely to the field of mathematics. His intellect and passion for knowledge have earned him recognition and respect on the global stage, bringing pride and acclaim to Ibadanland.
“Your private Library remains one of the richest, if not the best in this part of the World where many Professors have made their point of reference in comparative studies and researches”
“Your mental alertness, irrespective of physical ageing is of immense quality and for this we appreciate God in your life”
Today, as Ibadan commemorate Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s 89th birth anniversary, we honor his exemplary life of service, leadership, and intellectual prowess, and for this reason, he has been scheduled to receive the highest Ibadan award, The Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene ( MDII) at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival which is to take place later in May.
Other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes delegation includes; Chief Mrs Simiat Adeleke Larodo, Dr. Monsurat Ayo Alaga; the Vice Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Engr. Musa Akere; Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Ambassador Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC, member CCII board of trustee and Chairperson Cultural & Historical Tour Sub-committee of 2024 Ibadan Festival Week, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde; Chairperson Orekelewa Brain & Beauty Sub-committee, Engr. Abiodun Bello, Ajani Kayode; Secretary Orekelewa Brain & Beauty & Member Media Subcommittee. We wish Papa Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo a healthy longevity and massive wellness in abundance of happiness, joy and tranquility.