Former Finance Minister, Onaolapo Soleye, dies at 90

Former Minister of Finance, Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, reportedly died at age 90.

He was appointed Finance Minister during General Muhammadu Buhari’s military regime.

He served for twenty months as the minister of finance. He was also a former commissioner for Finance and Industry in Ogun State.

He sits on the board of the Obasanjo Presidential Library.

The deceased, who celebrated his 90th birthday last Saturday, died in the early hours of Wednesday.

A statement announcing his death reads, “With heavy hearts but with gratitude to God Almighty for a long, impactful and positively eventful life, the family announce 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.

“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.

“He was a true lover of God and humanity, which translated into his unwavering commitment to church activities and ready support and assistance to all who came across him in any way he could.

“The loss of Dr Soleye is surely not that of the Soleye family alone. It’s our father who has just passed, and we must all prepare to be part of his rites of passage.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has described Soleye as a remarkable man whose unwavering dedication to acts of kindness and good deeds greatly impacted many people.

He said, “I bear true testimony to the facts about Dr. Soleye as a great leader, a mentor and a man of impeccable principles who inspired countless individuals. As an alumnus of the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, he was a great inspiration and mentor to many of us.

“As a former Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State and later as Minister for Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Soleye distinguished himself as a prudent financial manager and acquitted himself as a first-class economic administrator in applying Nigeria’s resources. His commitment to a better Nigeria was unwavering.

“The passage of Dr. Soleye is a personal loss to me because I share very deep relationships with him as a younger friend and confidant. I benefited immensely from his unconditional support during trying times.

“My deepest condolences to members of his family; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Matemilola; His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (who is also Dr. Soleye’s bosson friend); sons and Daughters of Owu Kingdom and Egbaland in general at this painful and trying times as I am consoled by the legacy of good deeds and forthrightness that Dr. Soleye left behind.”

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