President Bola Tinubu has eulogised world’s first female professor of Yorùbá Studies, Omotayo Olutoye, for her contributions to the Yorùbá language, culture and tradition.
Olutoye, the Yeyeluwa of Idoani in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, who died recently at 87, was the wife of Major-General Olufemi Olutoye (rtd), the Alani of Idoani and mother of renowned surgeon and paediatrician, Prof. Olurotimi Olutoye.
The President, in a statement issued yesterday, by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, stated that the late professor’s works and seminar interventions helped in deepening the knowledge and understanding of Yorùbá language.
“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 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. Olurotimi 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, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on 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.”
