Nigeria’s first Professor of Linguistics and pioneer Secretary-Treasurer of the West African Linguistics Society, Professor Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose, has passed away in Ibadan at the age of 94.
The revered scholar died at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2025, at a Christian private hospital in the Akobo area of Ibadan.
Born on January 27, 1932, in Odopotu, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, to the late Rev. Sangodipe Bamgbose, Baba Prof, as he was fondly called in academic circles, was taken to hospital four days earlier following a minor domestic accident. By Friday, his health had deteriorated and he was placed on oxygen before he breathed his last on Saturday morning.
The announcement of his passing was made by his son, Femi Bamgbose, on Facebook. It was later confirmed by his first son, Prof. Kayode Bamgbose, Professor of Environmental Management and Toxicology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and by his younger sister, Iyabo, at the family residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
In keeping with his wishes, the Emeritus Professor will be buried in his hometown of Odopotu, where, like his father before him, he was a respected community leader.
A trailblazer in every sense, Prof. Bamgbose was educated at St. Andrew’s College, Oyo, from 1948 to 1951. He earned his PhD in 1963 from the University of Edinburgh with a dissertation titled _A Study of Structures and Classes in the Frame of Modern Yoruba_. He joined the University of Ibadan the same year and, at just 36, was promoted to Professor. In 1994, the University conferred on him the title of Emeritus Professor. He was also a recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit in 1990.
Born into the Egungun family of Odopotu, Prof. Bamgbose later embraced Christianity. His wife, Mama Adenike Bamgbose, a beloved teacher at Abadina Primary School, University of Ibadan, predeceased him in 2006.
Since the news broke, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have been receiving guests at the family home in Ibadan, where visitors continue to sign the condolence register.
Professor Ayo Bamgbose lived a life of scholarship, service, and humility. He gave Nigeria its first academic home for Linguistics, mentored generations of scholars, and fought tirelessly for the recognition of indigenous languages.
He lived with distinction.
He served with devotion.
He died with honor.
AMay his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy in Nigerian scholarship and language development endure for generations to come.
