Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the late former governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, by announcing plans to support and digitise his extensive personal library, transforming it into a public knowledge and tourist centre.
Governor Makinde made this declaration during an executive session and lying-in-state held in honour of the late Olunloyo at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The event drew a large crowd of dignitaries, political leaders, academics, traditional rulers, and the general public, all gathered to celebrate the life of a man revered for his intellectual prowess and public service.
“Dr Olunloyo’s library is a treasure trove of ideas and knowledge. It holds the keys to many of the solutions we seek today,” Governor Makinde stated.
“We will support the family in digitising the entire collection and make it accessible, not only to scholars but also to tourists and future generations.”
Makinde, who described the late governor as a personal advisor and mentor, highlighted the profound influence Olunloyo had on his leadership journey. He recounted how their conversations offered him critical perspectives on governance and peacebuilding in the state.
He also announced that the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park, situated in the Alakia-Airport axis of Ibadan and named after the late statesman in 2023, would be officially commissioned soon. This, along with the already renamed Airport Road, he said, forms part of the state’s broader plan to immortalise Olunloyo’s contributions.
Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, who served as the second civilian governor of old Oyo State (comprising present-day Oyo and Osun states), was widely acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s most cerebral political leaders. With a background in mathematics and engineering, his approach to governance was often methodical and visionary.
Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, in his tribute, described Olunloyo as a “towering intellectual” and “a rare breed whose legacy will endure in the annals of Nigeria’s political and academic history.”
“This is a day of reflection, not sorrow,” Lawal noted.
“We are celebrating a man whose life enriched Oyo State and whose ideas will continue to shape its future.”
Speaking on behalf of the Olunloyo family, the first daughter, Mrs. Oluyemi Olunloyo-Buckner, described her father as “a man of exceptional intelligence, who gave us not just his name, but heritage, values, and love.” She thanked the state government for the honour bestowed upon her late father and reaffirmed the family’s readiness to collaborate on the preservation of his intellectual legacy.
Justice Iyabo Yerima, Chief Judge of Oyo State, praised the late Olunloyo’s dedication to rule of law and service delivery, describing him as a beacon of excellence. Also, the Acting Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, noted Olunloyo’s unwavering commitment to educational reform and institutional development.
The solemn event was attended by an array of dignitaries, including:
Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja, wife of former governor Rashidi Ladoja
Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governor and PDP National Vice Chairman (South)
Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Deputy Governor
Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande (CON), former Minister of Trade and Investment
Dr. Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese, Chair and Co-Chair of the Oyo Elders’ Council
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo
Commissioners, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and top civil servants
The governor’s pledge to digitise the library is in line with his administration’s broader strategy to boost tourism and education through digital transformation. The library, believed to contain rare manuscripts, academic texts, historical documents, and personal notes, is expected to become a research hub and civic learning centre once completed.
“When people visit Oyo, they must come to see more than infrastructure. They must experience our history, our thinkers, our journey—and Baba’s library will tell that story,” Makinde concluded.
As Oyo State continues to mourn and honour Dr. Olunloyo, the state’s commitment to preserving his legacy reflects a growing culture of recognizing intellectual leadership as a key pillar in nation-building.