The Southern Governors Forum on Sunday expressed sadness over the death of a former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.

Chairman of the forum and Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, described the death of  Mr Olunloyo as a great loss to Nigeria and intellectuals around the world.

The governor described the late Olunloyo as a titan with many legacies every Nigerian should be proud of.

Mr Abiodun said the late politician, who served as governor of Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983, was a highly accomplished scholar and a genius.

He said that the life of Olunloyo, the Balogun of Oyo, Otun Bobasewa of Ife and first rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, was a study in excellence.

Mr Abiodun also acknowledged the late Olunloyo’s unique achievements as a prodigious scholar with reputable papers and an octogenarian with a sharp memory.

He said, “Like many giants before him, Dr Omololu Olunloyo has gone to rest. Although a scientist, baba loved reciting poetry, particularly those by William Shakespeare, and, remarkably, did not read with glasses, even in his old age. He was always on hand to offer wise counsel to the present generation of leaders, regardless of party affiliation. Olunloyo did his Higher School Certificate in three months, came first in all of the old Ibadan Province, and got admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the oldest Scottish university, the University of St, Andrews. Because of his exceptional brilliance, he succeeded in persuading the university to let him begin his studies in 200 level and graduated with First Class honours at age 26, going on to become a state commissioner at just 27. On behalf of the Southern Governors’ Forum, I commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, and the government and people of Oyo State on this great loss.’’

 The governor prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

The news of Olunloyo’s demise was confirmed by his family on Sunday in Ibadan.

(NAN)