First Female Professor of Yoruba Studies In The World, Olutoye Is Dead
Prof Omotayo Olutoye, wife of Major Gen Olufemi Olutoye (Rtd), the Alani of Idoani is dead.
The Yeyeluwa of Idoani in Ose local government area of Ondo state was the 1st female Professor of Yoruba Studies and mother of renowned Surgeon and Pediatrician, Prof Olurotimi Olutoye.
Professor Olutoye, a staunch member of the Anglican communion died at the age of 87yrs.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU EULOGISES LATE PROF. OLUTOYE, FIRST FEMALE PROFESSOR OF YORUBA STUDIES
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, saying her works and seminar interventions helped in deepening the knowledge and understanding of Yoruba language.
Prof. Olutoye died recently at 87. She was the wife of Major General Olufemi Olutoye (rtd), the Alani of Idoani, in Ondo State and mother of renowned Surgeon and Paediatrician, Prof. Oluyinka Olutoye. She was also the Yeyeluwa of Idoani in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
President Tinubu expressed his sympathy and condolences to the husband of the deceased, Major General Olufemi Olutoye (rtd), the Olutoye family and Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The President said: “Prof. Omotayo Olutoye who died recently at 87 made useful contributions to Nigeria and Yoruba race, and 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 gifting us the renowned Surgeon and Paediatrician, Prof. Oluyinka Olutoye.
“I offer my sympathy and condolences to her husband and patriarch of the family, Major General Olufemi Olutoye (rtd), 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.”
Dele Alake
Special Adviser to the President
Special Duties, Communications & Strategy
July 24, 2023
OSE CHAIRMAN, PRINCE ADEKUNLE MOURNS THE DEATH OF ALANI’S WIFE, PROF. OMOTAYO OLUTOYE.
I received with shock the news on the demise of Prof. Omotayo Olutoye, JP the Yeyeluwa of Idoani and wife of Alani of Idoani, Oba, Major-General, (Dr.) Olufemi Olutoye OFR, JP.
As painful as it was, Mama should be celebrated even in death for her courage, doggedness and perceviarance in getting to peak of her career as Professor of Yoruba Studies.
As a teacher, records had shown that Mama positively impacted and mentored many young ones and nurtured them to maturity including her biological children in which one of them, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye was honoured with the highest American medical award.
Therefore, as a virtuous woman who spent her life and time to serve humanity, other women should emulate her exemplary character, simplicity and generosity.
On behalf of myself, my family and the entire good people of Ose LGA, I sincerely wish to express my condolences and sympathize with the Kabiyesi, the Alani of Idoani, Oba Major-General Olutoye rtd, the children and the people of the community on the demise of this woman of substance. May her Soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Signed.
Hon. Dennis Adekunle,
Executive Chairman,
Ose LGA,
Ifon.
