Preface
This biography has been written witli only one objective in mind: to present a clear and, as much as possible, full picture of Dele Giwa, whose assassination on 19 October 1986, rocked the entire nation. Dele Giwa was at once a complex and straightforward person, strong-willed and sentimental; a leader who, at times, like most leaders, was only a child. We spent long hours burrowing into research materials, clarifying snippets of information and absorbing the essence of Dele’s being. We spent many days in both Lle-lfe and Ugbekpe-Ekperi, just wandering around trying to enter Giwa’s early life. We have been able to recreate specific scenes by conducting detailed interviews with, in most cases,people directly involved. It also helped that, in some instances, one of the authors actually witnessed the drama unfold.
Actual work began on this project late in January 1987. It was completed about eight months later. While reporting and researching the book, the authors spoke to nearly all the central — and some peripheral — players in the drama that was Giwa’s life. We are confident that the information provided within this volume is factual, as much as the authors were able to determine. It is possible that some errors may be found, for which we accept full responsibility. Where we were not absolutely certain, we have refrained from jumping to conclusions.
To the most important question of all: Who killed Dele Giwa? —We regret to say that we are unable to provide any answer just yet.
DELE OLOJEDE
ONUKABA ADINOYI-OJO
AUGUST 1987, LAGOS.
