Renowned Linguist, Prof. Oladele Awobuluyi Dies
By Olusegun HOSEA
Renowned Nigerian linguist and foremost Yoruba language scholar, Oladele Awobuluyi, has passed away.
The Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages at the University of Ilorin announced that the eminent professor died on the night of Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Department, Bolanle E. Arokoyo, the department described the late scholar as its founding head and a distinguished academic whose contributions to linguistics and Yoruba studies left an enduring legacy.
According to the statement, Professor Awobuluyi was an exceptional scholar, mentor and father figure whose life was marked by remarkable service, dedication and lasting impact on scholarship.
The department noted that his immense contributions to the development of linguistics and Yoruba language studies would continue to inspire generations of scholars and students.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant strength and comfort to his wife, the Awobuluyi family, colleagues, students and all those whose lives he influenced.
The department also acknowledged the devotion of Mrs. Awobuluyi in caring for her husband, praying that God would reward her labour of love and grant her the fortitude to bear the loss.
Professor Awobuluyi is widely remembered as one of Nigeria’s foremost authorities on Yoruba linguistics and a pioneer in the advancement of indigenous language scholarship.
