[3] Ishola started work as a Survey Assistant in the Ministry of Lands, (1956–1959), then as Building Inspector with the Ibadan Municipal Government (1959–1960).

[4] Ishola was elected on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform as Governor of Oyo State in December 1991, taking office on 2 January 1992.

On 3 September 1992 Ishola formally established the Oyo state post-primary schools teaching service commission.

[6] Ishola left office on 17 November 1993 when General Sani Abacha assumed power.

[7] Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 August 2011 in Ibadan, South West Nigeria, aged 77.