A striking sculpture celebrates the life of David Oluwale, a British-Nigerian man who tragically drowned after being pursued by police. The powerful 31-foot-tall flower structure, known as Hibiscus Rising, now stands as a vibrant tribute on Meadow Lane in Leeds, close to the spot where Mr. Oluwale entered the River Aire and passed away on April 18, 1969.
The talented artist Yinka Shonibare, creator of the stunning Hibiscus Rising, expressed his desire to bring the community of Leeds together through this meaningful artwork. This compelling piece of history is a collaboration between The David Oluwale Memorial Association, Leeds 2023, and Leeds City Council, marking an important milestone in the city’s past that cannot be forgotten.
Mr. Oluwale’s tragic death and the subsequent incarceration of two police officers marked a watershed moment in the UK’s legal system. Given the significance of this event, Councillor Jonathan Pryor emphasized the importance of acknowledging both the triumphs and darker aspects of Leeds’ history.
While Mr. Oluwale’s story originated from a place of tragedy, artist Yinka Shonibare sought to commemorate his life in a positive light. “I chose the symbol of the hibiscus as I saw the flower everywhere when I was growing up in Nigeria and it reminds me of happier times. I didn’t want his legacy to be about sad things, I thought it is better for him to be remembered in a nice way,” Shonibare stated.
The significance of Hibiscus Rising extends beyond the sculpture itself, with Leeds 2023 hosting a series of free thematic events this Saturday at the nearby Tetley. Abigail Scott Paul, Leeds 2023’s director of external relations, expressed her excitement for the sculpture, predicting that it would draw visitors from all over the country and leave a lasting impact on the city’s cultural landscape.
The legacy of David Oluwale, a Nigerian migrant who faced mistreatment and ultimately met a tragic end in the city of Leeds, will now live on through the striking presence of Hibiscus Rising, symbolizing hope and unity for the future of the community.
Who was David Oluwale?
David Oluwale came to the UK from Nigeria in 1949, eventually reuniting with and ultimately repeatedly victimized by local police officers in Leeds. His chase onto a bridge over the River Aire marked the start of a traumatic turn of events leading to his disappearance. The subsequent trials of two officers painted a deeply negative image of Oluwale, overshadowing the systemic mistreatment he suffered.
