I was taught by England to question England, says lawyer and historian, Shasore
By Jesunimofe Henry-Adelegan
THE August edition of Quramo Books & Coffee, hosted by Quramo Publishing and Production, brought together readers, writers and history lovers for a morning of deep conversation, reflection and connection at the Simi Johnson Centre, Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The programme opened at 11:30am with a warm welcome from Andy Joseph, representing Quramo Publishing and Production. He spoke about the power of literature to shape memory and strengthen identity. The main focus of the event was a respected lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and historian, Mr. Olasupo Shasore, whose book Operation Legacy: Looting and Losing Africa’s Kingdoms provided inspiration for the day’s conversation.
The host, Bukunolami Ami, was introduced as a sharp and thoughtful critic known for her ability to break down complex ideas. In her review, she praised Operation Legacy: Looting and Losing Africa’s Kingdoms as more than a historical record. She described it as a call to action for Africans to face their past honestly while also reclaiming their cultural wealth. She noted how the book looks at repatriation, memory and the urgent need to reshape African stories in the world today.
In his response, Shasore spoke about his reasons for writing the book, explaining that history should not be approached with resentment but with identity: “We do not want you to gain the anger but the identity,” he said, stressing that there’s comfort in knowing that the past can empower the future. He also pointed out that most of the world’s wealth is no longer in physical things but in ideas, knowledge and culture. Africa, he argued, must see its stories and identity as real wealth.
The interactive session brought even more energy, with Aduke Gomez adding rich insights to the discussion. The audience reflected on how European individualism, shaped by climate and geography, had influenced African communal traditions. The big question was how Africans can preserve authenticity while living in a world dominated and shaped by western cultural influences. Shasore also reminded listeners that it was not helpful to judge people of the past by today’s standards, rather the need to still learn from their choices married with our lived experiences. He admitted that some Africans had compromised values in history, but stressed that integrity is knowing when not to sell out your people or culture.
Another important point was the role of history itself. Shasore explained that history has the power to build or to break down, arguing that it must always be questioned. “You carry the power of construction and deconstruction when you talk about history,” he said, adding also the need to question the stories handed down from colonial powers. His words, “I was taught by England to question England,” stayed with many in the room.
Mrs. Aduke Gomez (left); lawyer and historian, Mr. Olasupo Shasore and his wife and Quramo Publishing boss, Mrs. Gbemi Shasore at the book event
Young people in the audience asked thoughtful and urgent questions about how history could guide Africa’s future. Their voices showed a strong desire to go beyond remembering the past to actively reshaping Africa’s identity and leadership. Halfway into the event, there was tea and coffee break with biscuits and small chops to aid digestion of the heavy history being handed down. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with the audience sharing thoughts in smaller groups before coming back to the main hall.
However, Shasore ended on a hopeful note. He acknowledged the pain of Africa’s history but stressed that each generation has the chance to rewrite its own history, for good or bad. For him, the rising Generation Alpha carries a special duty to rebuild Africa, not with anger but with honesty, creativity and courage.
The event closed with networking, book signing and photo sessions. Guests surrounded the author to get signed copies, share their views and take pictures. By the time the last person left at about 2:00pm, it was clear that the event waw more than the usual book chat session, as it sobered everyone up to their individual and collective responsibility to the future of Africa, a continent much maligned. It had created a space for critical thinking, learning across generations and a reminder that Africa’s story is still being written with the present generation heing charged to wield the pen creatively, progressively.
The August edition of Quramo Books & Coffee was not just a literary gathering but a step towards reclaiming African history and imagining a better future that Operation Legacy: Looting and Losing Africa’s Kingdoms aptly highlights in its telling exposition of a lost legacy and its reclamation process. Quramo Publishing and Production once again showed its dedication to creating spaces that give a voice to ideas, encourage dialogue and preserve Africa’s knowledge systems and culture.
* Henry-Adelegan is a budding culture journalist
