By IBUKUN EMIOLA

A former Attorney-General of Oyo State, Mr Oluseun Abimbola, says the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo’s academic record at the Government College, Ibadan, is unparalleled, lending credence to his intellectual prowess.

Abimbola, the 2nd Vice President of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday.

He said It was unlikely anyone had been able to surpass Olunloyo’s academic legacy at the school, particularly in the field of Mathematics.

“Again, when he went to the United Kingdom (UK), he had the best results in the entire UK. I think he was privileged to have lunch with the Queen at the time.

“If I recall correctly, everyone has talked about the depth of his knowledge and intelligence up to the time of his passing.

“He would still engage on any subject, any topic, any industry and any issue with clarity and depth.

“He was a great dad to his children.

“He was a great administrator, always deep in thought and in thinking. Of course, he was an example in many professional ways for all of us.

“He will be thoroughly missed by Kings and Queens and of course, by his political associates and by the nation, Nigeria at large,” Abimbola said.

Abimbola hoped that Nigerians would emulate his virtues, qualities and grace the deceased demonstrated and lived by.

He said GCI alumni were shocked, receiving the news of his demise, adding that he felt the loss, being particularly involved as Olunloyo was his uncle.

“I have known him all my life, from childhood till now. He was always a fun person to be with.

“When we were much younger, he used to play all sorts of pranks with us.

“He brought all of us, myself, my cousins and his six children together; we always enjoyed a fun time with him,” Abimbola said.

He also described the deceased as a sportsman and an excellent cricket player, as attested to by one of his colleagues.

“All those who walked the path of academia with him, too, have had a lot to say about his prowess.

“And of course, in the political space, we also know the depth of his engagement as well,” Abimbola said.

NAN recalls that Olunloyo, born on April 14, 1935, died on Sunday.

Olunloyo, a mathematician and politician, served as the governor of Oyo State from Oct. 1, 1983, to Dec. 31, 1983, when the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari took power. (NAN)