A former Minister of Finance, Dr Onaolapo Soleye died on Wednesday at the age of 90.
Soleye marked his 90th birthday on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Our correspondent gathered that the former commissioner of finance in Ogun State died in the early hours of Wednesday at a specialist hospital in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta.
A statement from the Soleye family announcing the death read: “With heavy hearts but with gratitude to God Almighty for a long, impactful and positively eventful life, the family announces the passing of Pa Dr Onaolapo Soleye, the father of our late brother, Maj Gen OO Soleye (rtd). He turned ninety years old only last Saturday.
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“Papa served the country and humanity in various capacities rising to the position of an Associate Professor in the University of Ibadan, Commissioner for Works in Ogun State and Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amongst others….
“Burial details will be announced by the family in due course. Until then, please pray for the repose of Papa’s soul and God’s comfort upon his family and other loved ones….”
Dr Soleye is survived by his wife, Mrs. Modupe Womiloju Soleye and four children – Olamide Soleye, Abimbola Fadimu, Oluwafunmilakin Soleye and Eyitayo Soleye – grandchildren and great grandchild.
He lost his first son, Major General Lola Soleye, earlier this year.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled the demise of Dr. Soleye, the finance minister in his cabinet as Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.
The former president, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, described the deceased as a rare gentleman and an expert in financial matters.
Buhari, in a message to the family of the deceased and the government and people of Ogun State, said Soleye “Played a pivotal role in that short, corrective administration.”
He said the rich administrative and financial experiences of the deceased were contributory to whatever achievements recorded at that time.
“He diligently served Nigeria. His wit, intellect, diligence and warm personality were legendary.
“May the Almighty give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss,” said the former president.
The Senator representing Ogun East and former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, also paid tributes to the former minister, describing him as a “Remarkable man whose unwavering dedication to acts of kindness and good deeds impacted greatly on a lot of people.”
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