The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been plunged into mourning following the death of renowned historian and Emeritus Professor of History, Segun Osoba, who passed away at the age of 92.
Osoba reportedly died on Wednesday at his residence in Ijẹbu-Ode, Ogun State, around 11:35 a.m. Details surrounding his death were still unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Confirming the development, one of his longtime associates and former students, Prof. Toye Olorode, described the late academic as “a foremost patriot, social historian, committed socialist, exemplary teacher and humanist.”
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential intellectuals, Osoba made significant contributions to historical scholarship, political thought and social activism throughout his career.
He was a leading figure in the “Ife Collective,” a prominent group of academics and activists that championed alternative development strategies for Nigeria. The group maintained that the economic and policy frameworks adopted at independence were inadequate to achieve meaningful national development.
Over the decades, the late scholar mentored several generations of academics and Marxist intellectuals, including Professors Toye Olorode, Idowu Awopetu, Kayode Adetugbo, Segun Adewoye, Bayo Ademodi, Kola Torimiro and Dipo Fashina, as well as Dr. Deinde Arigbede, among others.
Osoba retired from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1992 after decades of distinguished service in teaching, research and intellectual advocacy.