.Oyo State Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, has announced plans by the state government to preserve and digitise the personal library of the late former Governor of the old Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, describing it as a “treasure trove of knowledge” with the potential to offer lasting solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Speaking at the lying-in-state and executive session organised in honour of the late statesman at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor noted that the move to digitise the library would serve as part of efforts to immortalise the former governor, while also positioning the site as a tourist attraction.
Governor Makinde further disclosed that the state would soon commission the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park, located at Alakia-Airport area of Ibadan, which was named after the late governor in 2023. He also recalled that the 3km Airport Road was previously named in Olunloyo’s honour.
“I have lost a partner,” the governor remarked. “He was one of my go-to persons when navigating complex challenges in the state. People often wonder why Oyo is peaceful under my administration—it’s because I sought wisdom from leaders like Dr. Olunloyo.”
Highlighting the importance of Olunloyo’s intellectual contributions, Makinde added:
“There was no way we would talk and not arrive at the issue of his library. That library holds solutions to many of today’s problems. We will work with the family to preserve and digitise it, making it accessible and a key tourist attraction in Oyo State.”
Also speaking at the solemn event, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, described Dr. Olunloyo as a “towering intellectual and a man of rare brilliance” who served with distinction and left behind enduring legacies.
“This is not a day for lamentation, but one for reflection on a life well lived in service to our people and our state,” he said.
Representing the Olunloyo family, Mrs. Oluyemi Olunloyo-Buckner, the first child of the deceased, described her father as a “politician of rare genius” and a man who bestowed identity, heritage, and love upon his family and state.
In their separate tributes, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, and the Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, praised Olunloyo’s intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to public service.
Dignitaries at the event included Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former governor; Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South); Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Deputy Governor; Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, CON, former Minister of Trade and Investment; and leaders of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr. Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese.
Other attendees included members of the State Executive Council, service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and family members.
