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Victor Omololu Olunloyo: The Great Mathematician Who Bridged Science and Politics

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How a prodigious scholar and engineer became Oyo State’s short-lived governor and one of Nigeria’s most brilliant minds

A Life Defined by Brilliance and Curiosity

Victor Omololu Olunloyo, born on April 14, 1935, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, stands as one of the country’s most intellectually gifted figures. Revered as “The Great Mathematician”, Olunloyo’s career spanned several fields — mathematics, engineering, and politics — making him a rare blend of academic excellence and civic leadership. His legacy reflects the story of a man who navigated both the rigour of science and the turbulence of Nigerian politics with equal mastery.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Born into a prominent Yoruba family in Ibadan, Victor Omololu Olunloyo was the eldest of his siblings. His brother, Segun Olunloyo, would later become an engineering lecturer at the University of Lagos, reflecting the family’s deep roots in academic and professional achievement.

From a young age, Olunloyo displayed exceptional intelligence. His proficiency in mathematics and engineering quickly set him apart among his peers. After completing his early education in Nigeria, he pursued higher studies abroad, where his brilliance in mathematical and engineering sciences drew attention. His intellectual capabilities earned him the affectionate moniker “The Great Mathematician”, a title that followed him throughout his life and political career.

Academic and Engineering Contributions

Olunloyo was not just a mathematician in theory but also a practical engineer who believed in applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems. His career as a teacher, scholar, and professional engineer placed him among Nigeria’s earliest generation of technocrats — individuals who used their academic training to influence public policy and development.

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He served in various academic and technical capacities, contributing to Nigeria’s educational and infrastructural development. His blend of analytical rigour and problem-solving skills earned him admiration across Nigeria’s intellectual community.

A Brief but Memorable Political Tenure

In 1983, Victor Omololu Olunloyo took a significant step from academia into the world of politics. Under the banner of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), he contested and won the governorship election in Oyo State, succeeding Chief Bola Ige of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Olunloyo was sworn in as Governor of Oyo State on October 1, 1983, a symbolic date marking Nigeria’s Independence Day. His emergence was seen as a fresh hope for technocratic leadership — a rare instance of a scholar entering politics with the intention to reform governance through intellect and discipline.

However, his time in office was tragically short-lived. Barely three months into his tenure, on December 31, 1983, the military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the Second Republic government. This abrupt end to civilian rule terminated Olunloyo’s governorship, cutting short his reform plans for the state.

Despite his brief stay in office, his impact was deeply felt. He was remembered for his focus on education, discipline, and analytical approach to policy — qualities uncommon in Nigerian politics at the time.

Beyond Politics: Legacy of “The Great Mathematician”

After leaving office, Olunloyo continued to command respect as a public intellectual and elder statesman. His mathematical genius and articulate reasoning often made him a sought-after voice in national discourse, particularly on governance, education, and science policy.

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Throughout his later years, he remained committed to mentoring younger generations, encouraging Nigerian youths to embrace intellectual excellence, integrity, and service to their country. His life exemplified the union of intellect and leadership — showing that academic brilliance could coexist with political purpose.

He was widely regarded as a bridge between the worlds of knowledge and governance, proving that leadership grounded in education could yield vision and direction.

Family and Personal Life

Victor Omololu Olunloyo hailed from a distinguished Ibadan family deeply rooted in public service and education. His relatives have continued to play notable roles in Nigeria’s academic, political, and media landscapes. His dedication to learning, humility, and faith made him a revered figure in Oyo State and beyond.

Legacy and Recognition

Today, Olunloyo’s name remains synonymous with intellectual excellence and integrity. His governorship, though brief, stands as a symbol of what Nigerian politics could be — a place where scholars and professionals serve with wisdom and moral clarity.

His life’s story continues to inspire many Nigerian scientists, mathematicians, and leaders who believe in using knowledge as a tool for national transformation.

Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s journey reminds the nation that leadership, when guided by intellect and discipline, leaves a mark that time cannot erase.

References

Daily Times of Nigeria Archives (1983) – Election and governorship reports

Oyo State Government Official Records – Historical list of governors

The Guardian Nigeria: “Remembering Victor Omololu Olunloyo, the Great Mathematician”

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THE LIST OF 60 LAGOS TOWNS AND THEIR FOUNDERS. (Yorùbá history is still intact)

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February 1, 2026

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1.Isheri Olofin – Olofin Ogunfunminire and his retinue from Ife before moving on to Ebute Metta and Iddo
2.Iddo Island – Olofin Ogunfunminire (See above)
3.Lagos Island/Eko – Aromire, son of Ogunfunminire. Iduganran was the site of a pepper farm (Ereko or Oko).
4.Iru/Victoria island – Oniru Origefon traditionally part of the idejo land owning children of Ogunfunminire
5.Ikate/Elegushi – Elegushi Kusenla (Another member of the idejo class)
6.Otto/Mainland – Pawu ogboja oloto
7.ijora/Orile iganmu – Kueji/Isikoko ojora
8.Ajiran – Ojomu Ejo/Mogisho, brother to Olofin Ogunfunminire
9.Ikoyi – Onikoyi Adeyemi/Efunluyi
10.Ebute Lekki (Ileke) – Lootu son of Labolo, grandson of Oba Alara of Epe.
11.Ibeju – Abeju Agbeduwa originally from ife through the coastal Ijebu area
12.Ajah – Olumegbon/Ogunsemo/Ojupon
13.Otto Awori – Aregi Ope, Iworu Oloja and Odofin, all part of the original Awori stream from Ife.
14.Ojo – Esugbemi/Erelu/Osu
15.Iba – Àyoká Oniba ekun
16.Mushin – Oduabore/Aileru
17.Isolo – Akinbaye/Alagbeji
18.Ejigbo – Fadu onimewon/Olojan
19.Ikotun – Ategbo Olukotun
20.Egbe – Kudaki/Akeja
21.Oshodi/isolo – Olusi onigbesa/Agedegudu
22.Ijegun – Ajibade Agbojojoye
23.Igando – Eseba onimaba/oko osi/Eshidana
24.Eleko – Sobokunren
25.Akesan – Ominuye/Aina òdofin
26.Ogba (Ikeja) – Owoeni Asade/Madarikan
27.Ogudu – Amosu from Ile ife
28.Ikeja – Amore/Ikudehinbu
29.Aguda/Surulere – Gboin /Odunburé
30.Itiré – Òtá Onitire
31.Ilasa – Àbere ijé
32.Onigbongbo – Ikunyasun Àwusefa
33.Irewe – Edinni/Ojube/Oluwen
34.Ikosi-Kosofe – Aina ejo from Isheri
35.Idimu – Eletu Apataiko (Isa Aperindeja Olugoké)
36.Ilara-Epe – Tunse/Sabolujo/Alara Adejuwon
37.Ibonwon – Soginná from Ijebu
38.Ketu (kosofe) – Balogun oyero from Ketu-Ile
39.Ojokoro – Oniojugbelé Adeitan from Ota
40.Ikaare – Ikeja Ajija
41.Orile Agege – Efunmikan
42.Obele odan (Surulere) – Alago asalu
43.Ikorodu – Oga from Epe Sagamu
44.Epe – Uraka from Ife joined by Isein & Modu of Omu. they settled under a Popoka tree, that site became Poka township. Alaro (a woman) later joined. Then Ramope, Ogunmude and Oloja Shagbafara joined from Ijebu ode.
45.Odo Ayandelu – Ayandelu from Ile ife
46.Agbowa – Olayeni Otutubiosun son of Owa Otutubiosun who was Awujale, and grandson of Lafogido of Ife.
47.Igbogbo – Oshinbokunren
48.Meiran – Oroja from Ota
49.Imota – Ranodu from Ijebu
48.Owode Apa badagy – Oganogbodo-Akereyaso/Asese Alapa
50.Ajido – Aholu sagbe from Allada
51.Oworoshoki – Ajumogijo
52.Iworo/Imeke – Ajagunosin/Adejori isejoye
53.Badagy – Egun people from Popo, Allada, Wida and Weme who fled the wars of the Dahomey conquest of the coastal kingdoms of Allada and Igelefe (Ouidah) to come settle of Apa lands to their east.
54.Ejinrin – Loofi Ogunmude founded Ejinrin around 1619
55.Eputu Lekki – Ogunfayo
56.Orimedu Ibeju/Lekki – Ladejobi left Ife to Okegun then crossed the Lekki Lagoon.
57.Akodo – Oyemade Ogidigan
58.Offin – Liyangu of Ife.
59.Ibonwon – Soginna from Ijebu ode.
60.Ijede – Ajede

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Ìwòyè-Kétu: The Yoruba Town That Spans Two Nations and Lives by Ancient Taboos

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January 31, 2026

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Ìwòyè-Kétu is one of the most remarkable Yoruba communities in West Africa, not only for its deep-rooted traditions but also for its unique geopolitical identity. The ancient town straddles two modern nation-states—Nigeria and the Republic of Benin—yet remains culturally, spiritually, and traditionally unified as one Yoruba settlement.

A Town Without Borders in Spirit

Geographically, Ìwòyè-Kétu is primarily located in Imeko/Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, while its western section lies across the international boundary in the Republic of Benin. This border, imposed during the colonial partition of Africa, cuts through the town but has failed to divide its people.

Families live on both sides of the boundary, speak the same Yoruba dialect, observe the same customs, and recognise one traditional authority. Daily life reflects this dual reality: residents freely transact using both the Nigerian naira and the West African CFA franc, depending on location and convenience.

Unified Kingship Across Nigeria and Benin

Despite existing in two countries, Ìwòyè-Kétu is governed traditionally by one paramount ruler. The recognised monarch is:

His Royal Majesty Oba (Sir) Isaac Adegbenro Oyero,
the Ooye of Ìwòyè-Kétu, also styled Adekilúrójú – Ada Páàkó II.

His authority is acknowledged by the community on both sides of the border, making Ìwòyè-Kétu a rare example of a binational Yoruba town under a single royal institution.

Origins in Ile-Ife

According to Yoruba oral tradition, Ìwòyè-Kétu was founded by Olúmu (or Olómù), a legendary migrant from Ilé-Ifẹ̀, the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people. Like many Yoruba settlements, its founding narrative emphasises migration from Ife, reinforcing the town’s ancient roots within the broader Yoruba civilisational story.

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Ìwòyè-Kétu forms part of the historic Kétu region, once a powerful Yoruba kingdom before European colonial boundaries fragmented it between British-ruled Nigeria and French-ruled Dahomey (now Benin).

Sacred Taboos That Still Govern Daily Life

Ìwòyè-Kétu is widely known for its strict traditional prohibitions, which continue to be enforced by custom and belief:

Use of umbrellas is strictly forbidden anywhere within the town.

Rearing pigs is prohibited, and pork is traditionally avoided.

In some oral accounts, digging wells is either forbidden or tightly regulated.

These taboos are believed to be tied to ancestral covenants, spiritual agreements, and the town’s founding myths. Violations are traditionally thought to invite misfortune, reinforcing collective adherence across generations.

Language, Culture, and Continuity

Despite the Nigeria–Benin divide, Ìwòyè-Kétu remains culturally seamless. Yoruba language, customs, festivals, and lineage systems are shared. The town stands at a linguistic crossroads where English and French meet administratively, but Yoruba remains dominant socially and spiritually.

A Living Example of Pre-Colonial African Unity

Ìwòyè-Kétu exemplifies how pre-colonial African societies continue to transcend modern borders. Long before Nigeria or Benin existed, the town functioned as a single cultural entity—and it still does.
In an era where borders often define identity, Ìwòyè-Kétu reminds us that history, tradition, and shared ancestry can be stronger than lines drawn on maps.

Sources

Yoruba oral traditions and local historical accounts of Ìwòyè-Kétu

Ogun State local government and cultural heritage records (Imeko/Afon LGA)

Nigerian media reports and cultural features on Ìwòyè-Kétu’s taboos and binational status

Community welcome signage and local testimonies

Cross-border Yoruba history of the Kétu Kingdom (Nigeria–Benin)

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Emotan; The Benin Heroine (PHOTOS)

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January 31, 2026

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Throughout history, in every culture around the world, extraordinary women have pushed society to think bigger, move forward and create.

Emotan is a glowing example of boundless courage and world-changing ingenuity.

Emotan a market woman, single-handedly raised an army and overthrew the illegal regime of Oba Uwaifiokun who usurped his brother and conspired with his chief to kill King Ewuare.

She protected Oba Ewuare in her hut and showed him kindness when he was trying to reclaim his throne back.

Emotan helped install Oba Ewuare the Great, who was the most outstanding Oba in the ancient Benin Kingdom around 1440AD.

Eventually, when Oba Ewuare regained his throne, Emotan became the King’s favourite citizen.

Moreso, her kindness wasn’t restricted to the Oba alone, history tells us that Emotan converted her hut to a crèche to help nursing mothers who patronized her or came to the market for other things.

At that time, her daycare centre was popular in Benin and it can be said authoritatively that she started the first-day care centre in Benin.

After her death, her body was buried at the Oba market at the exact spot where she sold her goods. A tree was planted on her grave and she is being worshipped as the mother of love and kindness

Source: Benin achive

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