The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned historian and Emeritus Professor of History, Segun Osoba, at the age of 92.

Osoba was said to have died on Wednesday at his residence in Ijẹbu-Ode, Ogun State, at about 11:35 am, although details surrounding his death were still sketchy as of press time.

His death was confirmed by one of his disciples, Prof Toye Olorode, who described the late scholar as “a foremost patriot, social historian, committed socialist, exemplary teacher, and humanist.”

Osoba was widely respected within academic and intellectual circles for his contributions to history, political thought and social advocacy.

He led the “Ife Collective,” a group of academics and activists that mobilised Nigerians alongside other social platforms to seek alternative development models for the country.

The group argued that the economic and directive principles adopted at independence were insufficient to drive Nigeria’s development.

Over the years, Osoba mentored several scholars 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.

He retired from the university in 1992 after decades of teaching and academic service.

Faridah Abdulkadiri