Samuel Olusegun Osoba Dies at 92

Dr Samuel Olusegun Osoba, a respected scholar and member of the 1977 Constituent Assembly, has died at the age of 92.

Osoba, an indigene of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, reportedly passed away peacefully at his residence in the early hours of Thursday.

His death was announced in a statement issued by the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The statement, signed by the institute’s Director, Norma Perchonock, described the late academic as a committed intellectual whose life was devoted to scholarship, teaching and national development.

“With heavy hearts but with gratitude for a life lived in the service of scholarship and humanity, the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute announces the death of our Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Osoba,” the statement read.

The institute praised Osoba’s contributions to economic history and political thought, noting that much of his academic work focused on examining the structures of capitalism and neo-colonialism in Nigeria.

According to the statement, his research and writings consistently explored issues affecting national development and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“His work in economic history was groundbreaking in many ways as he sought to expose the actual workings of the economic system that was holding back development in the country,” the institute stated.

Beyond academic publications, Osoba was also known for writing newspaper articles and opinion pieces that engaged broader public debates on governance, politics and social justice.

One of his notable contributions to Nigeria’s constitutional development was his involvement in drafting *The Minority Report and Draft Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1976,* alongside the late historian and political thinker, Yusufu Bala Usman.

The institute said the document played a significant role in shaping discussions around constitutional reforms and Nigeria’s political future.

Describing him as a patriotic scholar, the institute said Osoba left behind a legacy of intellectual courage, public engagement and commitment to social justice.

“Segun is gone but he has left an enduring legacy and a shining example for patriotic Nigerians to emulate,” the statement added.

Funeral arrangements, according to the institute, will be announced later by the family.