Joseph Adebowale Atanda was
a passionate historian who dedicated his scholarship to the historiography of
Africa, especially that of the Yoruba. Popular among his publications are The New Oyo Empire:
Indirect Rule and Change in Western Nigeria, 1894-1934, An
Introduction to Yoruba History and Baptist Churches in Nigeria: Accounts of Their Foundation and Growth. The robust contributions of Atanda to Yoruba Studies
have enhanced the existing knowledge of the Yoruba history, culture and
spirituality, as well as the colonial and postcolonial relation. More than two
decades after his demise, his scholarship remains relevant, and more
increasingly so.