Nigeria, May 14 -- The legendary historian, scholar, and anti-colonial activist, Samuel Osoba, has passed away. He died in his residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 92.

Born on 9 January, 1935, Mr Osoba was a towering figure in African historiography for decades, holding tenure at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) from 1967 to 1991, where he revolutionised the study of History.

In his pedagogy and approach to history, he was one of the pioneers of a perspective that analysed African history through socioeconomic and class dynamics, in a manner that fundamentally challenged the erstwhile narrative around "great men" as the proper subjects of history.

More than being an academic leader and schola...