A former Minister of Finance, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, is dead.
The former minister died in the early hours of Wednesday, according to a statement provided by his family. He was 90 years old.
Soleye, the finance minister during General Muhammadu Buhari’s (retd.) military dictatorship, died just four days after his 90th birthday on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
“With heavy hearts but grateful 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 (retd.),” the statement said. He just turned 90 years old on 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.”