As former Oyo State Governor, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, was laid to rest, Governor Seyi Makinde has announced the renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in his honour. The institution will henceforth be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the interdenominational state funeral service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan. The late Olunloyo passed away on 6 April 2025 at the age of 89.
Olunloyo, a distinguished scholar and the pioneer Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, served as Governor of Oyo State from 1 October to 31 December 1983. His tenure, though brief, remains significant in the state’s political history.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde said:
“I spoke yesterday about preserving and digitising Baba Olunloyo’s vast library as a mark of honour. Today, we are taking a further step to immortalise him by renaming The Polytechnic, Ibadan, which he helped establish, as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”Makinde described Olunloyo as a man of enduring legacy and multifaceted brilliance:
“He was a scholar, a statesman, a technocrat, a cultural enthusiast, and, above all, a man of deep conviction. Baba left an enduring footprint on the sands of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Citing his 1983 election victory over a popular incumbent, Makinde remarked that Olunloyo’s brief time in office was “a powerful testament to the trust people placed in him”.
In his sermon, retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Most Reverend Ayo Ladigbolu, described Olunloyo as a role model whose intellectual contributions and impeccable integrity stood him apart.
“He demonstrated a style of leadership that was of the most superior quality,” Ladigbolu said.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The service was attended by a host of dignitaries including: Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, Mrs Dupe Jemibewon, wife of a former Military Governor of old Oyo State, Mrs Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Deputy Governor, Abass Agboworin, Member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Segun Ogunwuyi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Members of the Oyo State Executive Council, Saka Balogun, Chairman, Oyo State Elders’ Council, Sikiru Sanda, ALGON Chairman, Oyo State, Adeniyi Ajewole, President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Religious leaders, traditional chiefs, and family members
The interdenominational service marked the culmination of a week-long celebration of the life and contributions of one of Oyo State’s most revered intellectuals and public servants.
