The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday led members of the Ibadan South East Local Government Traditional Council on condolence visits to the families of the late former Governor of the state, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, and the late politician and businessman, Chief Yekini Adeojo.
Olunloyo, a renowned mathematician and technocrat, died on Sunday, while Adeojo, a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ekefa Olubadan passed away on Friday.
Speaking during the visit to Adeojo’s residence in the Iyaganku GRA area of Ibadan, the Maye Olubadan and spokesman for the delegation, Chief Lekan Alabi, described the deceased as a man of ‘industry, tact and strength of character’.
He said, ‘Adeojo displayed industry, tact and strength of character in every assignment given to him, which included but not limited to his days in the Nigerian Army, party politics, aviation, business and boardroom politics’.
He recalled that Adeojo was a director at O’dua Group at a time, saying, ‘those who had reason to be on the same board with him bear testimony to his leadership qualities’.
He said the family had every reason to take solace in his exemplary lifetime.
Responding on behalf of the family, the son of the deceased and Chairman of the Ido Local Government Area of the state, Sherrif Adeojo, appreciated Oba Ladoja and the delegation from the traditional council for their thoughts, visit, and prayers.
At Olunloyo’s residence in Molete, Ibadan, the delegation described the renowned mathematician, engineer, and technocrat as a rare gem, whose exit would be felt.
‘Former Governor Olunloyo led an impactful life, even beyond the narrow frontiers of the family.’ He was not only cerebral, he loved education with a passion.
‘Olunloyo was one of the most versatile human beings who could speak on a wide range of subjects with little or no notice’.
He said that as an engineer and mathematician, Olunloyo was well grounded in music, literature, theology and philosophy. He prayed to God ‘to raise more of Olunloyos not only in Ibadan but humanity as a whole’.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the widow, Ronke Olunloyo, thanked the delegation.
She said, ‘Oba Ladoja was one of the closest people to the late governor’.
The widow added that the public would be informed when the family discusses the final burial programme in collaboration with the state government.
