By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The passing of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo marks the end of an era in Oyo State’s political and intellectual history. A mathematician, statesman, and technocrat, he lived a life full of firsts and left an indelible impact on governance, education, and public service.
BlackBox Nigeria listed 10 key facts to know about the late former governor:
1. He Was Nigeria’s First Governor with a Ph.D. in Mathematics
Dr. Olunloyo earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the prestigious University of St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1961. His groundbreaking thesis focused on eigenvalue problems—complex numerical challenges in the field of applied mathematics.
2. He Ruled Oyo State for Just Three Months
He was elected Governor of Oyo State under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1983, defeating incumbent Bola Ige. However, his tenure was cut short by the military coup of December 31, 1983, led by General Muhammadu Buhari.
3. He Was a Commissioner at 27
At the young age of 27, Olunloyo was appointed Commissioner for Economic Development in the Western Region, becoming one of the youngest political appointees of his era.
4. He Was the First Rector of Two Polytechnics
Dr. Olunloyo served as the first Rector of both The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the Kwara State Polytechnic, laying the foundations for academic excellence in both institutions.
5. He Held Multiple Commissioner Roles
During his career, he served as Commissioner for Education (twice), Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Special Duties, and Commissioner for Community Development.
6. He Played a Role in Crowning Yoruba Monarchs
Olunloyo was instrumental in the crowning of two prominent monarchs: Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III (Alaafin of Oyo) and Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III (Soun of Ogbomoso).
7. He Had a Rich Family Heritage
Born on April 14, 1935, to Horatio Olunloyo (a Christian) and Bintu Tejumola Abebi (a Muslim), he came from a culturally diverse and influential background. His mother lived to the age of 102.
8. He Was Politically Versatile
After the collapse of the Second Republic, Olunloyo remained politically active. He joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he led key strategy committees, and later moved to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
9. He Was a Voice of Reason in Public Discourse
Even in retirement, Dr. Olunloyo remained active in public debate. He was known for his newspaper columns, interviews, and sharp political commentary grounded in intellect and patriotism.
10. He Died Days Before His 90th Birthday
Olunloyo passed away in April 2025, just days shy of his 90th birthday, leaving behind a rich legacy of service, intellect, and impact across academia and governance.
