President Bola Tinubu has eulogised the first female Professor of Yoruba Studies in the world, Prof Omotayo Olutoye, for her important contributions to the Yoruba language, culture, and tradition.
In a statement issued on Monday by Dele Alake, his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, President Tinubu said Omotayo’s works and seminar interventions helped deepen the knowledge and understanding of the Yoruba language.
Prof Olutoye, who died recently at 87, was the wife of Major General Olufemi Olutoye (retd), the Alani of Idoani, in Ondo State, and mother of renowned surgeon and pediatrician, Prof Olurotimi Olutoye.
She was also the Yeyeluwa of Idoani in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The President said: “Prof Omotayo Olutoye, who died recently at 87, made useful contributions to Nigeria and the Yoruba race, particularly to Yoruba language, culture, and tradition.
“As the first female Professor of Yoruba Studies in the world, her works and interventions helped a great deal in spreading and deepening the knowledge and understanding of the Yoruba Language.
“Her works have kept the Yoruba language alive and flourishing. Prof Omotayo Olutoye has etched her name in our memory, and this will remain indelible.
“Importantly, a staunch member of the Anglican Communion, Prof Olutoye also made invaluable contributions to Nigeria by giving us the renowned surgeon and paediatrician, Prof Olurotimi Olutoye.
“I offer my sympathy and condolences to her husband and patriarch of the family, Major General Olufemi Olutoye (retd), the Alani of Idoani, the entire Olutoye family, and Ondo State Governor Oluwarotili Akeredolu, for the loss of the illustrious woman.
“May Nigeria be blessed with many of the ilk of Prof Olutoye. May she find comfort in the bosom of the Lord.”
