The Hounding of David Oluwale

This harrowing book details the true story of Nigerian immigrant David Oluwale, who lived in Leeds for 20 years during the 50s and 60s. He ended up on the streets and in and out of prison for most of his time in Leeds, developing mental health problems. It is a story of a man ultimately let down by the system, who was then systematically persecuted for the last few years of his life by two police officers, leading to his death in suspicious circumstances in 1969.

The author also details in several chapters Albert Johanneson and his experiences playing for Leeds United, drawing parallels between the two men, two of just 450 black men living in Leeds during the early 1960’s. At the start, their lives couldn’t have been more different, show more and yet both men’s lives ended tragically and needlessly early.

Not an easy book to read at any rate, but an important (though unpleasant) chapter in the history of the city. show less