David Oluwale flower sculpture unveiled in Leeds
A sculpture honouring a British-Nigerian man who drowned after being chased by police is being unveiled in Leeds today
David Oluwale drowned in the river Aire under suspicious circumstances in 1969. A flower statue is being unveiled today to honour him.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, the Leeds resident dealt with homelessness, mental health issues and systemic racism in the years prior to his death.
The piece, named ‘Hibiscus Rising’ ‘Hibiscus Rising’ due to its resemblance to the flower, was created by Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA and co-comissioned by the David Oluwale Memorial Association.
“I grew up in Nigeria in the same way that David Oluwale grew up in Nigeria,” said Yinka, “when I was younger, I used to see the hibiscus flower everywhere and I used to suck the nectar out of it so it kind of reminded me of happier times.
“I didn’t want the legacy of David Oluwale to be that of sadness.”
David spent the last two years of his life homeless in the Centre of Leeds.
This led to him being hounded onto a bridge and ultimately passing away weeks later in the river.
Despite the tragic end to David’s life, Yinka wants his memory to be honoured in a positive way, he said:
“The hibiscus symbolises love and beauty and empathy, and I wanted a piece of art that would actually bring the community together, not divide the community.”
Leeds City Council are also backing the sculpture – Councillor Jonathan Pryor commented that it is vital the community remembers its darker periods as well as its positive attributes.
“It’s really important to remember a city’s history.
“That means remembering and celebrating the greatest things a city’s done, and it also means remembering some of the darker periods from Leeds’ history to show we’ll never do it again.
“It’s something for the city for years to come, it’s an absolutely stunning piece of work.”
The sculpture’s release is part of Leeds 2023’s ‘Year of Culture’ which aims to better educate the city on key aspects of its history.
Councillor Pryor said the group’s efforts in helping to celebrate David’s life cannot be understated.
They are holding a free community event today near the statue’s location in Tetley based on the British-Nigerian's legacy.
Continuing, he said: “They’ve (Leeds 2023) done a phenomenal job in really celebrating David’s life and actually making sure his story is not forgotten.”
Dr Emily Zobel Marshall, the co-chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association said she hoped the statue would help unite the area after decades of previous disharmony.
“This sculpture is to commemorate that tragic passing and that tragic story, but it’s also an incredible symbol of hope and unity.
“It makes me feel incredibly proud to be a citizen of Leeds, we’ve had incredible support from Leeds City Council, from Leeds 2023, but also just from the general populus.
“This sculpture is in place because of fundraising and because of people’s contributions and donations and support.
“I think it’s wonderful that the city of Leeds is able to face the tragedies of the past head on.”