Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has renamed the prestigious The Polytechnic, Ibadan in honour of the late former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.
The announcement was made during the state burial ceremony held in Ibadan on Thursday, where dignitaries and residents gathered to pay their final respects to the elder statesman.
Governor Makinde declared that the institution would henceforth be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, describing the move as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of Dr. Olunloyo to education, public service, and the development of Oyo State.
Dr. Olunloyo, who recently passed away at the age of 89, served as governor of the old Oyo State during the Second Republic, holding office between October and December 1983. He made history as the first indigene of Ibadan to govern the state. Prior to his brief tenure as governor, he also served as Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, cementing his legacy in the field of education.
Reflecting on the loss, Governor Makinde expressed deep sorrow over the death of the statesman, whom he described as one of Nigeria’s most exceptional and cerebral leaders. He noted that Olunloyo’s intellect, patriotism, and dedication to the service of Oyo State distinguished him among his peers.
“In Dr. Olunloyo, we have lost another icon,” Makinde stated. “This time, we lost a highly cerebral and patriotic leader who served our great state at its early stages. His contributions remain etched in our history.”
Makinde further expressed personal grief, sharing that he had looked forward to celebrating the late Olunloyo’s 90th birthday, which would have taken place on April 14. “This death hits differently because I was looking forward to Baba’s 90th birthday,” he said. “However, we have to submit to the will of God, who gives and takes lives as He wills.”
The renaming of the institution stands as a symbolic recognition of Dr. Olunloyo’s enduring legacy and a reminder to future generations of the values of excellence, service, and dedication that he embodied throughout his life.