Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has announced that the state government will support the preservation and digitisation of the personal library of the late former governor, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, transforming it into a tourism and knowledge resource centre.
Governor Makinde made the announcement on Wednesday during a special lying-in-state and executive session held in honour of Dr Olunloyo at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The event was attended by top government officials, family members, and dignitaries from across the state.
Describing the late Olunloyo’s library as a “treasure trove of knowledge,” the governor said the facility contains invaluable resources capable of addressing many contemporary challenges in governance and public administration.
“In most of my discussions with Baba, there was no way we would talk without touching on his library,” Makinde said. “I am making a public announcement now that the state will support the family to preserve and digitise that library. It is a place where we can practically find solutions to a whole lot of challenges we are still faced with today. We must preserve it and ensure that it becomes a tourist attraction in Oyo State.”
Governor Makinde also disclosed that the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park, named in honour of the late statesman in 2023 and located in the Alakia-Airport area of Ibadan, is ready for commissioning. In addition, the state had previously named the 3km Airport Road after Dr Olunloyo as part of efforts to immortalise him.
Paying tribute to the former governor, Makinde described him as one of his key advisors whose historical insights and counsel shaped several key decisions in his administration.
“I have lost a partner. Sometimes, he would tell me how some problems were solved before my time. People don’t realise that Oyo State’s relative peace today is partly because I have always drawn from the wisdom of elders like Dr Olunloyo,” he added.
Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal also spoke at the event, describing Dr Olunloyo as a “towering intellectual” and a statesman whose commitment to public service remains exemplary.
“He served Oyo State with distinction and rare brilliance,” Lawal said. “We have lost a colossus whose footprint would remain etched on the sands of time.”
In an emotional tribute, Dr Olunloyo’s first daughter, Mrs Oluyemi Olunloyo-Buckner, described her father as a political genius and brilliant statesman who left an indelible mark on the state. “He was a man who gave his children identity, heritage, and love,” she said.
Others who paid glowing tributes included the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, and the Acting Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Lasisi. They highlighted Olunloyo’s legacy of brilliance and selfless service.
Dignitaries at the event included Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, Dr Saka Balogun, Elder Wole Oyelese, Prof Olanike Adeyemo, members of the Oyo State Executive Council, service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other notable figures.
The event served as both a tribute to a remarkable life and a commitment to preserving the intellectual legacy of one of Oyo State’s most influential leaders.
