Academic Community Mourns as Dr. Samuel Olusegun Osoba Dies at 92
By Ranti Thomas
Nigeria’s academic and intellectual circles have been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned scholar and historian, Dr. Samuel Olusegun Osoba, who passed away at the age of 92.
Osoba reportedly died on Wednesday at his residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, according to a statement released by the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute, where he served as chairman.
The institute said it received the news of his passing with sadness, while describing his life as one dedicated to scholarship, teaching, and public intellectual work.
Throughout his academic career, Osoba was widely respected for his contributions to economic history and political economy, with his research focusing on how economic systems shaped Nigeria’s development.
He was also known for producing influential books, academic papers, and public commentaries that extended beyond the university environment, shaping debates on governance and economic structure.
Reports say he worked closely with other leading intellectuals on major constitutional and policy discussions, including contributions that featured in Nigeria’s wider governance and reform debates over the years.
Colleagues described him as a fearless thinker whose work consistently challenged established economic ideas and highlighted issues around development and inequality.
His death has been described as a major loss to Nigeria’s academic community, particularly among historians and researchers in political economy.
The institute said funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
As tributes continue to pour in, attention has shifted to the legacy he leaves behind in Nigeria’s intellectual and policy space, where his work is expected to remain influential for years to come.