Nigerian leaders, intellectuals, and alumni of Government College Ibadan gathered on Wednesday to honour the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of Oyo State, at a symposium that celebrated his intellect, political foresight and lasting impact on national unity.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the event, described Olunloyo as a “rare genius” whose life was not just defined by academic excellence, but also by deep national service.
“He was not just intelligent — he was a man of ideas,” Obasanjo said. “His analytical mind, his ability to communicate complex thoughts simply, and his subtle yet serious approach to leadership set him apart.”
Obasanjo also highlighted Olunloyo’s behind-the-scenes role in resolving tensions during Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s ascendancy to the Alaafin of Oyo throne and the Agbekoya unrest in the 1970s.
Tributes poured in from several distinguished speakers. Dr Wale Babalakin, leader of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association, called Olunloyo a product of excellence whose legacy will inspire future scholars. He said the school aimed to continue producing individuals who would shape Nigeria positively.
Cultural historian Professor Toyin Falola commended Olunloyo’s use of humour as political expression. “His wit was never just for laughs,” said Falola. “It was a vehicle for truth-telling. He used performative humour to address uncomfortable realities with charm and sharp insight.”
Investigative journalist Dr Lasisi Olagunju reflected on Olunloyo’s predictive political writing, including a coded column in the early 1990s that warned of elite misrule — a prophecy he said came to pass in the years that followed.
“There is a tragedy in Nigeria’s recurring cycles,” Olagunju noted. “Olunloyo’s message was clear: we must question our leaders and engage beyond superficial politics.”
Dr Kolade Mosuro, a member of the event’s organising team, shared that before his passing, Olunloyo had been working on a knowledge-sharing project set to be compiled into a 200-page book.
The symposium concluded with renewed calls for Nigerian institutions to cultivate intellectual excellence and leadership integrity — values Dr Omololu Olunloyo championed throughout his life.
