Soleye, Former Finance Minister Dies at 90

Nigeria’s former minister of Finance, Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, is dead.

The retired professor of Economics died in the early hours of Wednesday, November 15 at Red Wood Speacialist Hospital, Ibara, GRA, Abeokuta.

Dr. Soleye passed away just four days after celebrating his 90th birthday on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

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 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 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.

“May the soul of Dr Onaolapo Soleye rest in peace. Amen”

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.

Dr. Soleye was a commissioner in the Old Western Region and a commissioner holding different portfolios after the creation of Ogun State such as Lands, Trade, Industry and Commerce.

He was also Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State and a former minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the regime of General Muhammadu Buhari from 1984 to 1985.