Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Immediate past governor of Ondo state, has commiserated with the family of Alani of Idoani in Ondo state, and the literary community over the passing of world’s first female professor of Yoruba Studies, Professor Omotayo Olutoye.
A statement by John Paul Akinduro, the former governor’s Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, quoted Mimiko as describing Olutoye as “a foremost scholar, outstanding community leader and lover of the masses.
“We are all saddened by the death of Professor Olutoye who was a torchbearer in the literary world and has contributed immensely to the promotion of education, especially indigenous languages, in Nigeria. She was a role model to thousands of our girls and women.
“Professor Olutoye embodied the Yoruba identity, having achieved an unprecedented feat of being the first woman to reach the pinnacle of her career in the study of Yoruba language. Not only was she a highly celebrated scholar both at home and abroad, she directly imparted knowledge in a new generation of scholars – an appreciation of the legacy she left behind” Mimiko remarked.
The former governor said it will be an arduous task to fill the vacuum the passing of the erudite professor has caused.
“Indeed, Ondo state and Nigeria have lost one of her finest champions and thoroughbred daughters. Olukemi and I condole with the people and government of Ondo State. We pray that her beautiful soul rest in peace”. Mimiko said.
He also prayed that God will grant her highly successful children, Dr Olubunmi Okanlami, Dr Femi Olutoye, Dr Olusegun Olutoye, Mrs Olufunke Olugboji, Dr Olaynka Olutoye, and Mrs Toye Gansalo who she bore for her husband of many years, Oba Olufemi Olutoye (Rtd Major General), the Alani of Ido Ani, the fortitude to bear the loss.
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