Remembering Adeshina

Dear Editor,

The WPA brought to our attention the passing of Adeshina, a very active but relatively unknown WPA activist of the 1970s and 1980s. Prior to his involvement in the WPA, Adeshina was a keen student of the cultural revolution, and while not a registered member of ASCRIA (African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa) he was an assiduous adherent to its principles.  He was present at every conky reception or other cultural event held.

He was never a frontline activist, but you were aware of his presence at significant events. The act of assuming an African (Yoruba) name in itself singled him out as a free thinker in the post-colonial society.  He was always reading and discussing the meaning of what he read. For him things had to be stated with clarity.

Adeshina was a proud member of the working class and always willing to avail himself to the ongoing struggle for bread and justice. In echoing the call for “peoples power, no dictator” he was active in numerous public meetings and public protests of the WPA at the time. We offer our condolences and solidarity to his immediate family and other relatives.

Yours faithfully,
Sase Omo
Nigel Westmaas
Eusi Kwayana