Olutoye, first female Professor of Yoruba Studies dies at 87

Prof Omotayo Olutoye, wife of the Alani of Idoani in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Major Gen Olufemi Olutoye is dead.

She died on Sunday, aged 87 years.

A close member of the family, who preferred to remain anonymous because he wasn’t authorised to speak with the press confirmed her death to WesternPost.

The late don who was the Yeyeluwa of Idoani was the 1st female Professor of Yoruba Studies and mother of renowned Surgeon and Pediatrician, Prof Olurotimi Olutoye.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Dennis Adekunle has urged other women to emulate the life of the late Prof. Olutoye.

In a statement he signed on Monday, Adekunle said the late don was a teacher with good records.

“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,” the statement read.