Abuja, Nigeria – The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, whom he described as “Nigeria’s own Albert Einstein.”
Dr. Olunloyo, a revered mathematician and elder statesman, passed away at the age of 89. His family confirmed the news in a statement.
In a heartfelt tribute issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, Adedeji stated that Olunloyo’s passing represents the loss of one of Nigeria’s brightest minds. He highlighted Olunloyo’s exceptional academic achievements, noting that he graduated with first-class honors and obtained a PhD in Applied Mathematics at the age of 26 from the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
Adedeji spoke highly of Olunloyo’s vast intellect, which extended beyond mathematics to include classical music and literature. He recalled that Olunloyo would often recite long passages from Shakespeare and apply them insightfully to real-life situations. Adedeji described every interaction with the late icon as a valuable learning experience and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a brilliant mind whose wisdom continued to resonate far beyond the classroom or political arena.
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Quoting an African proverb, Adedeji remarked that the death of an old man is akin to the burning of a library, emphasizing the vast knowledge that has been lost with Olunloyo’s passing.
He extended his condolences to the Olunloyo family, friends, admirers, and the people of Oyo State, affirming that although the former governor was advanced in age, his counsel, depth, and wisdom were still sorely needed in today’s Nigeria.
Dr. Omololu Olunloyo served as Governor of Oyo State in 1983 and was widely respected for his intellectual brilliance and contributions to academic and public service in Nigeria.
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