BREAKING:Nigeria Loses Eminent Historian and Intellectual Giant, Dr. Osoba

The Yusufu Bala Usman Institute has announced the death of its Chairman, Dr. Samuel Olusegun Osoba, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

He was 92 years old.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Institute’s Director, Norma Perchonock, who described his death as a significant loss to the academic and intellectual community.
“With heavy hearts but gratitude for a life dedicated to scholarship and humanity, the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute announces the passing of our Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Osoba, who died peacefully today, 14th May 2026, at his residence in Ijebu Ode,” the statement said.
The Institute described Osoba as a distinguished scholar whose lifelong work focused on teaching and research aimed at deepening understanding of Nigeria’s political economy, capitalism, and the structures of neo-colonialism.
It noted that his academic contributions in economic history addressed structural challenges affecting national development while also proposing pathways toward economic liberation.
According to the statement, his works included academic books, research papers, and newspaper columns that reached both scholarly and general audiences.
One of his major contributions was co-authoring The Minority Report and Draft Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1976 alongside his close associate Yusufu Bala Usman. The Institute said the works significantly influenced debates on Nigeria’s governance and future direction.
It added that Dr. Osoba’s intellectual legacy remains deeply embedded in Nigeria’s academic and policy discourse.
“Segun is gone, but he leaves behind an enduring legacy and a shining example for patriotic Nigerians to emulate,” the statement concluded.
The Institute further stated that funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.