Obafemi Awolowo and the Making of Remo: new book by Birmingham academic

A University of Birmingham academic has launched her new book on the late Nigerian nationalist Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Dr. Insa Nolte, from the University’s Centre of West African Studies launched Obafemi Awolowo and the Making of Remo, at the School of African and Oriental Studies, London.

Obafemi Awolowo and the Making of Remo, published by Edinburgh University Press, examines the evolution of the Yoruba community, Remo and the central role played by the nationalist politician and Yoruba leader Obafemi Awolowo. He was born in 1909 and died in 1987.

Dr. Nolte explains: “Based on a subtle analysis of local-level politics, the book argues that participatory structures play an important part both in Yoruba politics and in the African postcolonial state.

The work constitutes an important contribution to the scholarly debate on one of Nigeria’s most important politicians.”

Chief Awolowo was a leader of the opposition party in the First Republic parliament. He was also a presidential candidate of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the Second Republic.

Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria, His Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel was one of the dignitaries that attended the book launch. A representative of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife was also present.

Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, the executive director of Obafemi Awolowo Foundation was the guest speaker at the event.

The book is available in major bookshops.

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Notes to Editors:

• The Centre of West African Studies is the only university department in the world to concentrate specifically on West Africa.

• Dr. Insa Nolte’s research interests include Yoruba history and ethno-nationalist politics in Nigeria. Her research has focused on the mobilisation of traditional political institutions and practices, from chieftaincy to masquerades and secret associations, for modern political ends. Between 2003 and 2005, Insa directed an ESRC-funded research project on ‘The Rise of Yoruba Nationalism: Exclusion, Identity and Youth in Nigeria’.

For further information: Anietie Isong – International Press Officer, University of Birmingham. Tel: 0121 414 47863 / email: a.isong@bham.ac.uk