Cecil Rhodes statue at Oriel College CALLS for the removal of statue of 19th century imperialist Cecil Rhodes from the side of Oriel College have led to an inquiry, soon due to give its verdict. The inquiry was set up in the wake of protests last summer to investigate the background of the statue, the grade-II listed building it sits on, and why people living in Oxford think it should be removed. The inquiry was originally going to report its findings this month (January), but has pushed back its publication date until the Spring. Ahead of that date, here s a look at the events which led us to where we are.