Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, the elder statesman and former governor of the defunct Oyo State, has dismissed the recent rumours surrounding his death, saying such claims do not trouble him. In an exclusive interview with KIIN360, Olunloyo spoke candidly on a range of national issues, including the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria’s governance challenges, and his views on the traditional chieftaincy issues in Oyo State.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current political climate, Olunloyo, who has held various key government positions in the past, gave a candid assessment of President Tinubu’s administration as the president prepares to mark one year in office by May. Having known Tinubu for decades, Olunloyo expressed his confidence in his friend’s leadership but acknowledged the enormous challenges the president faces.
He remarked, “Tinubu is inheriting a massive basket of problems, which are not of his making. The escalating cost of food, fuel, and transportation are issues that have plagued Nigeria long before his tenure.” He went further to mention that while Tinubu likely understands the gravity of the situation, he also highlighted the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, which led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, consequently driving up the costs of goods and services.
Recalling his own experiences in governance, Olunloyo shared insights into the broader challenges of leadership in Nigeria. He referenced a conversation with Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Tafawa Balewa, who once described Nigeria as “difficult to govern.” According to Olunloyo, Balewa noted that even when caught in a fraud scandal, ethnic groups would often pressure the government, complicating efforts to tackle corruption.
On the subject of corruption, Olunloyo emphasized the need for effective governance and quality advice. He pointed out that despite Nigeria’s numerous challenges, leaders must seek counsel from experienced individuals who understand the intricacies of governance. “We need people who have been in the system, who can provide quick solutions to problems like fiscal policy, security, and corruption,” he said.
Discussing the issue of traditional leadership, Olunloyo also weighed in on the ongoing controversies surrounding the Alaafin of Oyo and the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincies. As a former commissioner for Local Government, Olunloyo recounted his involvement in the installation of the Alaafin in December 1970 and described the procedures that should govern such appointments.
He clarified that in Oyo, the government’s role is to approve the appointment of the Alaafin, after nominations and selections are made by the appropriate bodies. In Ibadan, Olunloyo emphasized that it is the turn of the Balogun line to nominate the Olubadan candidate, noting the significance of adhering to the legal frameworks set by previous governments, including the 1957 Ibadan Declaration drafted by Obafemi Awolowo and Rotimi Williams.
As for his personal life, Olunloyo, now 89 years old, reflected on his long and fulfilling journey, attributing his longevity to his mother, who lived to be 102. Despite the recent death rumours, Olunloyo remained unfazed, asserting that such speculations were not new to him. “I’m still here, not gone yet,” he stated with a sense of humor, adding, “who will live forever? Those who spread such news will also one day meet their own end.”
With a career that spans decades in both the public and private sectors, Olunloyo expressed gratitude for his life and achievements. “I have lived a full life and have everything to thank God for,” he concluded, reflecting on his time as a commissioner, academic, and leader in various parastatals.
