‘Reminder Of Lagosians’ Courage’ -- Femi Olugbile Unveils New Book 'Pelewura'

By Babawale Solomon

Eko Hot Blog reports that Author and Former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Femi Olugbile, has unveiled his new book ‘Pelewura’ to positive acclaim.

The book was launched on Wednesday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, attended by distinguished guests, celebrated the unveiling of a work that delves into the untold story of courage and gender politics in the early colonial era of Lagos and Nigeria with a brave woman, Pelewura, at the centre of it.

The book was unveiled by members of the high table, including the Father of the Day, Former IGP Musiliu Smith; former Managing Director of Daily Times of Nigeria, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole (Chairman of the Day), and former Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola (represented by Mr. Akeem Bello).

Others were Book Reviewer, Mr. J.K. Randle, OFR; Royal Father of the Day, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland; Justice Mrs. Rose Vivour; Mr. Fola Adeola, and Dr. Abayomi Fini.

In his opening remarks, Cole hailed the writer for writing the thought-provoking book.

He noted that the book reminds readers of the need to be politically wise.

“What historians have lost, psychiatrists have gained. Looking through the issue of Lagos and what Dr. Femi wrote about suggests to us that the ability to be politically wise is embedded in this story,” the veteran journalist said.

On his part, the Oniru commended the author’s willingness to tell a compelling story of the courageous past of a Lagosian (Pelewura) and Lagosians.

Royal Father of the Day, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, speaking with Eko Hot Blog and other media outlets

The royal father, therefore, urged authors to write more books focusing on the heros and heroines of the past.

The book reviewer provided insights into the book’s content, praising Dr. Olugbile’s boldness and the eternal impact of his work.

Randle noted that the book is a reminder of the courage of Lagosians.

“The author is a man of truth and integrity; you must commend his boldness because whatever he put in the book can no longer be denied; it will be there for eternity,” he said.

“We are still in crisis mode combined with a moral challenge over which of our shared values are documented in the book we are launching today.

“Contrary to the assumption and prejudice of our distractors, we are not inadequate but competent. The author has gone to great lengths to remind us that Alimat Pelewura was combative, a warrior for justice, in the side of the poor and downtrodden.

“The book reminds us that Lagosians were never timid; Herbert Macaulay and Pelewura never shied away from confronting the colonial government. It is all about women, no element of misogyny.”

In his speech, Olugbile dedicated ‘Pelewura’ to two influential women, his mother and the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the mother of President Bola Tinubu.

He briefly delved into the story of Pelewura, a woman who fought against all odds to become a force in the history of Lagos.

The author recalled how the heroine created the first market women association in Nigeria and fought against the oppression of the colonial masters.

“She [Pelewura] was the founder of the Lagos Women Market Association, the first market women association in Nigeria,” Olugbile explained.

“She’s an attractive figure whose story needs to be known. Despite not being educated or wealthy, she overcame adversity, founded the first Lagos market women association, and took a stand against oppression during the colonial era.”

The eminent consultant psychiatrist concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to everyone present.

The unveiling ceremony marked a momentous occasion, shedding light on untold histories and celebrating the resilience of remarkable individuals in Lagos’ past. ‘Pelewura’ stands as a testament to the power of literature in preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

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