Akanmu G. Adebayo is professor of history at Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia. He was also formerly director of the Center for Conflict Management and executive director of the Institute for Global Initiatives at KSU.Olutayo Charles Adesina is a professor of history at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the current British Academy Global Professor of History affiliated with the Department of History, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Rasheed OwoyeleAjetunmobi is a professor of culture and history. He started his teaching career with Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, renamed Lagos State College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is the most populous black nation on Earth and one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. Yet, the country is frequently cited as a paradox in global development circles: rich in resources, but grappling with persistent socioeconomic challenges. Nigeria History, Society, and Social Change in the Twenty-first Century, edited by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo Charles Adesina, and Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi, explores the underlying factors behind the country’s paradoxical development trajectories. The editors and contributing authors did an excellent job in presenting insightful analyses and perspectives on the complexities and dynamism of Nigerian society. The work reviews efforts to address challenging situations, highlights periods of error, and identifies future areas that need to be addressed. In all, the publication has shown, with concrete historical evidence, that the country’s development paradox is not insurmountable. With visionary leadership, responsible resource management, and inclusive policies, the country can transform its vast human and natural resources into lasting prosperity for all its citizens. Though the journey ahead is challenging, the potential rewards are immense, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent and the world at large. The book is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and all those seeking to engage thoughtfully with Nigeria’s evolving narrative.

• List of tablesForeword & IntroductionIntroduction: Nigeria: Transitions and Transformations by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo C. Adesina, Rasheed Ajetunmobi, Adeolu Ojedokun, and Magaji AyubaChapter 1. Rekindling the Scientific Spirit: Historical Criticism in the Age of Sacred Authority by Ebenezer ObadareChapter 2. The Nigerian Ruling Class: A Gramscian Analysis by Olúfe´m?i TáíwòHistory, Historical Scholarship, and Nigeria’s Radical HistoriansChapter 3. Partners in the Struggle for the Liberation of Nigeria: Segun Osoba and Bala Usman, 1970-1985 by Norma PerchonockChapter 4., Samuel Olusegun Osoba and the Historical Political Economy of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy by Tokunbo A. Ayoola and Nasir I. AgbeluChapter 5. Comrade Dr Segun Osoba: Individuals, Collectives, Moments and Movements by Omotoye Olorode and Idowu AwopetuChapter 6. Reimaging Segun Osoba’s Ideological Critique of State, Society and Bourgeois Politics in 20th Century Nigeria by Olutayo C. AdesinaChapter 7., History According to Segun Osoba by Akanmu G. AdebayoChapter 8. Is there a Segun Osoba Problematic in Nigerian Historiography? by Ibrahim AbdullahChapter 9. Democracy, Official Corruption and Underdevelopment of Nigeria: Interrogating the Fourth Republic, 1999-2015 by Timothy Olugbenro Erinosho and Babatunde Olabiyi OsiyaleChapter 10., Digitizing the Past: The Transformative Impact of Digital History on Historical Research in Contemporary Nigeria by Mistura Eniola Bello and Mishark Friday AlexChapter 11. Post-Colonial in Nigeria and the Politics of the Developing World: A Historical Discourse by M. F. Fakayode, S. I. Ajayi, and Afolabi KumavoChapter 12. History, Knowledge, and Social Practice: Pedagogy, Philosophy, Methodology in Perspectives by Adebola Talabi and Adewale AdepojuChapter 13. Revisiting the Power Struggle and Political Conflict in Old Oyo Empire: The Oyomesi, Aole, Afonja and Political (Dis)order in a 19th Century Yoruba State by Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi and Boluwatife Oyindamola TaiwoSociety: Media, Women and Human RightsChapter 14. Human Rights Violations and National Development in Post-Colonial Nigeria by Adewale Adepoju and Oluwasegun Dare OgunsakinChapter 15. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Crisis of Global Modernity: The Case of Oyo Empire by Adeolu OjedokunChapter 16. Interrogating Minorities, Women's Movement and Social Change in Oboli's Wives on Strike and Onuzo's ‘Love is War’ by Femi Adedina and Alimot Titilope AnifowosheChapter 17. Women’s Rights in the Nigerian Constitution: A requirement or mere feminist agenda by Ibironke B. Dominion Adigun and Titilola K. Aluko-ArowoloChapter 18. Women’s Resistance and Subalternity in Colonial Southern Nigeria: A Re-Interpretation by Monsuru MuritalaChapter 19. Nigerian Women: Minorities in Power by Omotola Olubunmi OmolaraChapter 20., Women of the ‘Left’ and the Nigerian Conundrum: A Historical Analysis of Leftist Women’s Experiences in Nigeria since the Beginning of the Cold War by Oluwakemi Abiodun AdesinaSocial Change and Constitution MakingChapter 21. Social Change and Development in Nigeria: Nigeria's 1976 Draft Constitution and the Minority Report by Emmanuel Osewe AkuborChapter 22. From Landslide Victories to Competitiveness: Nigeria’s Elections in Perspectives by Lai OlurodeChapter 23. Social Change, Nation Building and Constitution-Making in Post-Independence Africa: Un Cri de Coeur by ?lásopé Oyèdìjí OyèlárànChapter 24. Governance and the Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria: A Critique of Government Efforts by Samson Adesola Adesote and Olusegun Adewumi OsunkoyaChapter 25., Lebanese Merchants’ Populist Politics and Dominance of Produce Trade in Western Nigeria, 1920-1980s by Ajayi Olusegun MichaelChapter 26. Democracy, Liberty and Economic Growth in Africa: Understanding Nigerian Economy in the Fourth Republic by Ajibade Samuel IdowuChapter 27. Cartoons as a Factor in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Socio-Economic and Political History of Nigeria by Jamiu Kolawole AuduNigeria, Africa, and the WorldChapter 28., Old and New Players in Globalization: The Role of the Media by Ajibola TaiwoChapter 29. The Next World War: Not Near, But Not Far by Dapo ThomasChapter 30. Diversity Conflicts in Africa: The Case of the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, 1961-2016 by Ernest DzelamonyuyChapter 31. International Politics: Is there a new Cold War? by Dele SeteoluAbout the EditorsAbout the Contributors

Akanmu G. Adebayo is professor of history at Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia. He was also formerly director of the Center for Conflict Management and executive director of the Institute for Global Initiatives at KSU.Olutayo Charles Adesina is a professor of history at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the current British Academy Global Professor of History affiliated with the Department of History, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Rasheed OwoyeleAjetunmobi is a professor of culture and history. He started his teaching career with Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, renamed Lagos State College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is the most populous black nation on Earth and one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. Yet, the country is frequently cited as a paradox in global development circles: rich in resources, but grappling with persistent socioeconomic challenges. Nigeria History, Society, and Social Change in the Twenty-first Century, edited by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo Charles Adesina, and Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi, explores the underlying factors behind the country’s paradoxical development trajectories. The editors and contributing authors did an excellent job in presenting insightful analyses and perspectives on the complexities and dynamism of Nigerian society. The work reviews efforts to address challenging situations, highlights periods of error, and identifies future areas that need to be addressed. In all, the publication has shown, with concrete historical evidence, that the country’s development paradox is not insurmountable. With visionary leadership, responsible resource management, and inclusive policies, the country can transform its vast human and natural resources into lasting prosperity for all its citizens. Though the journey ahead is challenging, the potential rewards are immense, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent and the world at large. The book is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and all those seeking to engage thoughtfully with Nigeria’s evolving narrative.

• List of tablesForeword & IntroductionIntroduction: Nigeria: Transitions and Transformations by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo C. Adesina, Rasheed Ajetunmobi, Adeolu Ojedokun, and Magaji AyubaChapter 1. Rekindling the Scientific Spirit: Historical Criticism in the Age of Sacred Authority by Ebenezer ObadareChapter 2. The Nigerian Ruling Class: A Gramscian Analysis by Olúfe´m?i TáíwòHistory, Historical Scholarship, and Nigeria’s Radical HistoriansChapter 3. Partners in the Struggle for the Liberation of Nigeria: Segun Osoba and Bala Usman, 1970-1985 by Norma PerchonockChapter 4., Samuel Olusegun Osoba and the Historical Political Economy of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy by Tokunbo A. Ayoola and Nasir I. AgbeluChapter 5. Comrade Dr Segun Osoba: Individuals, Collectives, Moments and Movements by Omotoye Olorode and Idowu AwopetuChapter 6. Reimaging Segun Osoba’s Ideological Critique of State, Society and Bourgeois Politics in 20th Century Nigeria by Olutayo C. AdesinaChapter 7., History According to Segun Osoba by Akanmu G. AdebayoChapter 8. Is there a Segun Osoba Problematic in Nigerian Historiography? by Ibrahim AbdullahChapter 9. Democracy, Official Corruption and Underdevelopment of Nigeria: Interrogating the Fourth Republic, 1999-2015 by Timothy Olugbenro Erinosho and Babatunde Olabiyi OsiyaleChapter 10., Digitizing the Past: The Transformative Impact of Digital History on Historical Research in Contemporary Nigeria by Mistura Eniola Bello and Mishark Friday AlexChapter 11. Post-Colonial in Nigeria and the Politics of the Developing World: A Historical Discourse by M. F. Fakayode, S. I. Ajayi, and Afolabi KumavoChapter 12. History, Knowledge, and Social Practice: Pedagogy, Philosophy, Methodology in Perspectives by Adebola Talabi and Adewale AdepojuChapter 13. Revisiting the Power Struggle and Political Conflict in Old Oyo Empire: The Oyomesi, Aole, Afonja and Political (Dis)order in a 19th Century Yoruba State by Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi and Boluwatife Oyindamola TaiwoSociety: Media, Women and Human RightsChapter 14. Human Rights Violations and National Development in Post-Colonial Nigeria by Adewale Adepoju and Oluwasegun Dare OgunsakinChapter 15. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Crisis of Global Modernity: The Case of Oyo Empire by Adeolu OjedokunChapter 16. Interrogating Minorities, Women's Movement and Social Change in Oboli's Wives on Strike and Onuzo's ‘Love is War’ by Femi Adedina and Alimot Titilope AnifowosheChapter 17. Women’s Rights in the Nigerian Constitution: A requirement or mere feminist agenda by Ibironke B. Dominion Adigun and Titilola K. Aluko-ArowoloChapter 18. Women’s Resistance and Subalternity in Colonial Southern Nigeria: A Re-Interpretation by Monsuru MuritalaChapter 19. Nigerian Women: Minorities in Power by Omotola Olubunmi OmolaraChapter 20., Women of the ‘Left’ and the Nigerian Conundrum: A Historical Analysis of Leftist Women’s Experiences in Nigeria since the Beginning of the Cold War by Oluwakemi Abiodun AdesinaSocial Change and Constitution MakingChapter 21. Social Change and Development in Nigeria: Nigeria's 1976 Draft Constitution and the Minority Report by Emmanuel Osewe AkuborChapter 22. From Landslide Victories to Competitiveness: Nigeria’s Elections in Perspectives by Lai OlurodeChapter 23. Social Change, Nation Building and Constitution-Making in Post-Independence Africa: Un Cri de Coeur by ?lásopé Oyèdìjí OyèlárànChapter 24. Governance and the Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria: A Critique of Government Efforts by Samson Adesola Adesote and Olusegun Adewumi OsunkoyaChapter 25., Lebanese Merchants’ Populist Politics and Dominance of Produce Trade in Western Nigeria, 1920-1980s by Ajayi Olusegun MichaelChapter 26. Democracy, Liberty and Economic Growth in Africa: Understanding Nigerian Economy in the Fourth Republic by Ajibade Samuel IdowuChapter 27. Cartoons as a Factor in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Socio-Economic and Political History of Nigeria by Jamiu Kolawole AuduNigeria, Africa, and the WorldChapter 28., Old and New Players in Globalization: The Role of the Media by Ajibola TaiwoChapter 29. The Next World War: Not Near, But Not Far by Dapo ThomasChapter 30. Diversity Conflicts in Africa: The Case of the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, 1961-2016 by Ernest DzelamonyuyChapter 31. International Politics: Is there a new Cold War? by Dele SeteoluAbout the EditorsAbout the Contributors

Akanmu G. Adebayo is professor of history at Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia. He was also formerly director of the Center for Conflict Management and executive director of the Institute for Global Initiatives at KSU.Olutayo Charles Adesina is a professor of history at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the current British Academy Global Professor of History affiliated with the Department of History, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Rasheed OwoyeleAjetunmobi is a professor of culture and history. He started his teaching career with Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, renamed Lagos State College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is the most populous black nation on Earth and one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. Yet, the country is frequently cited as a paradox in global development circles: rich in resources, but grappling with persistent socioeconomic challenges. Nigeria History, Society, and Social Change in the Twenty-first Century, edited by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo Charles Adesina, and Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi, explores the underlying factors behind the country’s paradoxical development trajectories. The editors and contributing authors did an excellent job in presenting insightful analyses and perspectives on the complexities and dynamism of Nigerian society. The work reviews efforts to address challenging situations, highlights periods of error, and identifies future areas that need to be addressed. In all, the publication has shown, with concrete historical evidence, that the country’s development paradox is not insurmountable. With visionary leadership, responsible resource management, and inclusive policies, the country can transform its vast human and natural resources into lasting prosperity for all its citizens. Though the journey ahead is challenging, the potential rewards are immense, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent and the world at large. The book is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and all those seeking to engage thoughtfully with Nigeria’s evolving narrative.

• List of tablesForeword & IntroductionIntroduction: Nigeria: Transitions and Transformations by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo C. Adesina, Rasheed Ajetunmobi, Adeolu Ojedokun, and Magaji AyubaChapter 1. Rekindling the Scientific Spirit: Historical Criticism in the Age of Sacred Authority by Ebenezer ObadareChapter 2. The Nigerian Ruling Class: A Gramscian Analysis by Olúfe´m?i TáíwòHistory, Historical Scholarship, and Nigeria’s Radical HistoriansChapter 3. Partners in the Struggle for the Liberation of Nigeria: Segun Osoba and Bala Usman, 1970-1985 by Norma PerchonockChapter 4., Samuel Olusegun Osoba and the Historical Political Economy of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy by Tokunbo A. Ayoola and Nasir I. AgbeluChapter 5. Comrade Dr Segun Osoba: Individuals, Collectives, Moments and Movements by Omotoye Olorode and Idowu AwopetuChapter 6. Reimaging Segun Osoba’s Ideological Critique of State, Society and Bourgeois Politics in 20th Century Nigeria by Olutayo C. AdesinaChapter 7., History According to Segun Osoba by Akanmu G. AdebayoChapter 8. Is there a Segun Osoba Problematic in Nigerian Historiography? by Ibrahim AbdullahChapter 9. Democracy, Official Corruption and Underdevelopment of Nigeria: Interrogating the Fourth Republic, 1999-2015 by Timothy Olugbenro Erinosho and Babatunde Olabiyi OsiyaleChapter 10., Digitizing the Past: The Transformative Impact of Digital History on Historical Research in Contemporary Nigeria by Mistura Eniola Bello and Mishark Friday AlexChapter 11. Post-Colonial in Nigeria and the Politics of the Developing World: A Historical Discourse by M. F. Fakayode, S. I. Ajayi, and Afolabi KumavoChapter 12. History, Knowledge, and Social Practice: Pedagogy, Philosophy, Methodology in Perspectives by Adebola Talabi and Adewale AdepojuChapter 13. Revisiting the Power Struggle and Political Conflict in Old Oyo Empire: The Oyomesi, Aole, Afonja and Political (Dis)order in a 19th Century Yoruba State by Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi and Boluwatife Oyindamola TaiwoSociety: Media, Women and Human RightsChapter 14. Human Rights Violations and National Development in Post-Colonial Nigeria by Adewale Adepoju and Oluwasegun Dare OgunsakinChapter 15. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Crisis of Global Modernity: The Case of Oyo Empire by Adeolu OjedokunChapter 16. Interrogating Minorities, Women's Movement and Social Change in Oboli's Wives on Strike and Onuzo's ‘Love is War’ by Femi Adedina and Alimot Titilope AnifowosheChapter 17. Women’s Rights in the Nigerian Constitution: A requirement or mere feminist agenda by Ibironke B. Dominion Adigun and Titilola K. Aluko-ArowoloChapter 18. Women’s Resistance and Subalternity in Colonial Southern Nigeria: A Re-Interpretation by Monsuru MuritalaChapter 19. Nigerian Women: Minorities in Power by Omotola Olubunmi OmolaraChapter 20., Women of the ‘Left’ and the Nigerian Conundrum: A Historical Analysis of Leftist Women’s Experiences in Nigeria since the Beginning of the Cold War by Oluwakemi Abiodun AdesinaSocial Change and Constitution MakingChapter 21. Social Change and Development in Nigeria: Nigeria's 1976 Draft Constitution and the Minority Report by Emmanuel Osewe AkuborChapter 22. From Landslide Victories to Competitiveness: Nigeria’s Elections in Perspectives by Lai OlurodeChapter 23. Social Change, Nation Building and Constitution-Making in Post-Independence Africa: Un Cri de Coeur by ?lásopé Oyèdìjí OyèlárànChapter 24. Governance and the Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria: A Critique of Government Efforts by Samson Adesola Adesote and Olusegun Adewumi OsunkoyaChapter 25., Lebanese Merchants’ Populist Politics and Dominance of Produce Trade in Western Nigeria, 1920-1980s by Ajayi Olusegun MichaelChapter 26. Democracy, Liberty and Economic Growth in Africa: Understanding Nigerian Economy in the Fourth Republic by Ajibade Samuel IdowuChapter 27. Cartoons as a Factor in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Socio-Economic and Political History of Nigeria by Jamiu Kolawole AuduNigeria, Africa, and the WorldChapter 28., Old and New Players in Globalization: The Role of the Media by Ajibola TaiwoChapter 29. The Next World War: Not Near, But Not Far by Dapo ThomasChapter 30. Diversity Conflicts in Africa: The Case of the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, 1961-2016 by Ernest DzelamonyuyChapter 31. International Politics: Is there a new Cold War? by Dele SeteoluAbout the EditorsAbout the Contributors