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, who passed away peacefully today, 14th May 2026, at his residence in Ijebu Ode. He was 92 years old.

Dr. Osoba was a rare scholar whose whole life was dedicated to teaching and research that was designed to educate his students, colleagues and the general public about the nature of the capitalist system and the structures of neo-colonialism that dominates the Nigerian state, and to propose ways of liberating the country from this odious system in order that its citizens may live their lives free from exploitation and oppression.

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.

His writings were wide ranging, from scholarly books and papers to articles and columns in newspapers that reached a wide audience. One of his major achievements was to author, together with his close comrade Yusufu Bala Usman, The Minority Report and Draft Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1976. This document has had a profound impact on the various debates and discussions about the way forward for Nigeria.

Segun is gone but he has left an enduring legacy and a shining example for patriotic Nigerians to emulate.

Funeral arrangements will be as announced by the family.

Norma Perchonock,

Director, Yusufu Bala Usman Institute,

Zaria, Nigeria.