Statements on David Oluwale memorial Blue Plaque theft

Joint statement by Leeds Civic Trust, Leeds City Council and the David Oluwale Memorial Association on the theft of a Blue Plaque remembering David Oluwale which was unveiled on April 25 2022:

“After such a successful plaque unveiling attended by upwards of 200 people, news that the Blue Plaque has been stolen from its location on Leeds Bridge is shocking. This follows the earlier daubing of racist graffiti in the city centre including on the Leeds Civic Trust premises. These are cowardly acts from people who are unwilling to debate their views in public. The successful unveiling of the plaque shows how far we have come as a city to combat racism. Its theft shows how much more we need to do.”

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis said:

“I was proud and honoured to attend the unveiling of the plaque last night. What has happened will not reduce our determination to ensure Leeds is a welcoming city for everyone with racial equality for all.”

Leeds City Council faith champion and chair of the hate crime strategic board Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung said: “I am determined that this terrible and upsetting news will not stand in the way of us making further progress on race equality in our city. We fully support investigations being undertaken by West Yorkshire Police to find the perpetrators of this despicable act. I look forward to the plaque or a replacement being returned safely to this location very soon.”

ENDS