By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State former Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja has described the passing of renowned mathematician, engineer and technocrat, Dr Omololu Olunloyo as the exit of titan.
He said the late Dr Olunloyo was a man of many parts who left his footprints on the sands of time.
According to him, Olunloyo shone and sparkled like a star right from his Government College, Ibadan days all through his university days in Scotland, which culminated in his becoming one of the youngest PhD holders in his days.
Ladoja said, “He became Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy in Koye Majekodunmi era in the defunct Western region, and later Commissioner under Military Governor Adeyinka Adebayo.
“You will recall that as old Oyo State former Governor, Olunloyo who would have been 90 next week tried his best, even though he had a short tenure. He gave a good account of himself as one of the most officed persons with a long public service record in Nigeria.
“He was a rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, executive chairman of different scientific research institutes in Nigeria.
“The greatest legacy of Olunloyo’s long service record was his incorruptibility.”
Oba Ladoja recalled that the former Governor visited him in his Bodija, Ibadan residence only two weeks ago.
“He was on the wheelchair. I was surprised to see him. We discussed for an hour before he left. Whenever my elder brother came around, you can be sure, there would be no dull moment. But then, I did not have a premonition that the old Oyo State former Governor’s visit was his own way of bidding us farewell”
The Otun Olubadan expressed his condolences to the Olunloyo family, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, and members of the Olubadan-in-council over Olunloyo’s death, saying he would be missed.
