Fmr Finance Minister, Onaolapo Soleye, Dies, Few Days After Celebrating 90th Birthday

By Ayodele Oni

After celebrating his 90th birthday last Saturday, a former Minister of Finance, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, died.

According to a statement released by his family on Wednesday, the former minister died in the early hours of the day, at the age of 90.

Soleye, was the finance minister during the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Family statement reads “With heavy heart 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 (retd.). He turned 90 years 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 among others.

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

“The loss of Dr Soleye is surely not that of the Soleye family alone. It’s our father that 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.”

He was alleged to have been the person who recommended late Professor Dora Akunyili to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for appointment as Director General, NAFDAC.