Oladele Awobuluyi: key obituary facts
Is Oladele Awobuluyi dead? Yes. Oladele Awobuluyi died on August 5, 2026, at age 89.
Cause of death: Oladele Awobuluyi's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Oladele Awobuluyi known for?
He was a Nigerian linguist, professor, and author.
More about Oladele Awobuluyi
Born: 17 July 1937.
Place of birth: Akoko North-West.
Gender: male.
Occupation: linguist.
Education: University of Colorado Boulder, Columbia University.
Known for: Yoruba linguistics, African linguistics, syntax, language policy.
Oladele Awobuluyi, a Nigerian linguist, professor and author known for his work in Yoruba linguistics, African linguistics and language policy, died on August 5, 2026, aged 89.
Born on July 17, 1937, in Okeagbe, Akoko North-West, Ondo State, he focused his scholarship on African languages, especially Yoruba, as well as Kanuri and Edo. Awobuluyi founded the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages at the University of Ilorin in 1976 and later served as its first head from 1979 to September 1984.
He taught at several universities, including the University of Lagos and the University of Ilorin, and was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. His books included works on Yoruba grammar and language teaching, and his research helped shape modern study of African languages.