Dr. Segun Osoba, a distinguished Nigerian historian and scholar, recently celebrated his 90th birthday, prompting widespread recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and political landscape. President Bola Tinubu lauded Osoba as one of the nation’s finest minds, acknowledging his impactful work in academia, constitutional development, and advocacy for social justice and good governance. Osoba’s career, spanning decades of scholarship and activism, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s historical and political trajectory.
Osoba’s academic journey culminated in his retirement from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1991, where he served as a history lecturer. Since then, he has continued his scholarly pursuits from his hometown of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. President Tinubu commended Osoba’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge, promoting scholarship, and inspiring generations of Nigerians. His intellectual contributions have enriched the understanding of Nigeria’s history and provided valuable insights into the complexities of its socio-political evolution.
A significant aspect of Osoba’s legacy lies in his involvement in shaping Nigeria’s constitutional framework. President Tinubu highlighted Osoba’s participation in the committee responsible for drafting the 1979 Constitution, which laid the groundwork for the Second Republic. Working alongside Dr. Yusuf Usman, Osoba presented a minority report proposing crucial constitutional amendments, including the removal of immunity clauses for presidents and governors and the establishment of a minimum age of 30 for eligibility to run for office. Although these recommendations were not adopted by the military government at the time, they reflect Osoba’s foresight and commitment to responsible governance.
Osoba’s advocacy for social justice and good governance has been a consistent theme throughout his career. His unwavering dedication to these principles has earned him recognition as a staunch advocate for a more equitable and just society. His contributions have helped to shape public discourse on critical issues and have inspired others to engage in the pursuit of positive social change.
President Tinubu’s tribute to Dr. Osoba underscores the profound impact of his intellectual and activist pursuits. By acknowledging Osoba’s contributions to Nigeria’s constitutional development, scholarly landscape, and advocacy for social justice, President Tinubu highlighted the significance of his legacy. Osoba’s unwavering commitment to these critical areas has served as an inspiration to generations of Nigerians.
As Dr. Segun Osoba celebrated his 90th birthday, the accolades from President Tinubu and others served as a testament to his enduring influence on Nigeria. His distinguished career as a historian, scholar, and advocate for social justice and good governance has left an indelible mark on the nation. His intellectual contributions, combined with his unwavering commitment to constitutional development and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society, have cemented his place as one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential figures. His life and work stand as an example of the power of scholarship and activism to shape a nation’s destiny.
