The recent vandalism of a blue plaque to commemorate David Oluwale, a British Nigerian immigrant who was hounded to death by police in 1969, has been met with fierce condemnation by local residents today, after a temporary plaque to honour him was also partially destroyed.
The original commemorative plaque had been unveiled by Leeds Civic Trust on Monday in memory of David Oluwale, who first moved to Leeds from Nigeria in 1949 in the hopes of pursuing a better life. Sadly while here, he was hounded to his death near Leeds Bridge by two police officers, who targeted him for his race, mental health and homelessness.
These two officers became the first British police officers to be charged with the death of a black man in the UK.
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Rather than let David be forgotten, Leeds Civic Trust decided to commemorate his life and death on the bridge by installing a blue plaque on Monday, as a reminder that racism and prejudice are not welcome in Leeds. However within hours of being installed, the metal plaque was pried from the wall with a crowbar and has yet to be found.
Unwilling to be defeated by vandalism, a temporary plaque was installed on Wednesday by two Leeds City Councillors, but this too had sadly been partially ripped from the wall by Thursday morning, leaving many residents frustrated and disgusted at the behaviour of the individual(s) responsible.
“Just when you think you can’t be anymore shocked and appalled,” commented Joanna Myers. While Gary Newton said: “What the hell the poor fella was chase to his death and 50 years on he's still getting hounded, show respect to him, David you will never be forgotten God bless you.”
Countless others were quick to express their shock and outrage including Iain Williamson who said: “Speechless for the first time ever.” He was also joined in condemning the vandalism by Glynis McKenna who added “Some vile people about, can't leave things alone”
Sally Khan also weighed in when she said “It's disgusting the lowlife who have done this. Maybe a plaque/memorial should be put in museum or art gallery entrance so the scum can't do it again and children who visit on school trips can learn about what happened. “
“I can't get my head around this hatred thing! Why, Our society is going backwards. We must all unite against racism and everything that is ugly, like this,” said Jacqueline Horsfield. Whereas Sharon Lister thought it all smacked of a total lack of respect. “No respect at all,” she said.
Linda Wakin also agreed commenting “That's absolutely abhorrent, the poor man cannot rest in peace he is still being targeted.” Vanessa Louise Stewart was equally as horrified saying “Jesus Christ what the poor man went through when he was alive and now even in death his memory is been destroyed”
Adam Collinson also added: “They should built a statue instead, or as well. Don't understand why anyone would want to destroy it. It's a peace of history, a reminder and a memorial”
Meanwhile Leeds Civic Trust itself also weighed in tweeting “Just heard reports that @Jonathan_Pryor and @abigailmashall lovely replacement plaque has been torn down…anyway you do you love, you won’t stop us!”
