The family of the late Herbert Macaulay has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to include the renowned nationalist in a recent list of posthumous pardons granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, the family, supported by elder statesman and Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, Chief Olabode George, said while they appreciated the president’s gesture in recognising Macaulay’s role in Nigeria’s history, it was wrong and demeaning to “lump” him with individuals of questionable character.
“If Papa is to be honoured, he must be honoured independently,” George said speaking on behalf of the Macaulay family.
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He stated, “Herbert Macaulay was not a criminal; he was a patriot, a visionary, and grandson of the first African Anglican Bishop. He deserves isolation for national honour, not inclusion in a list of convicts.”
Other members of the family at the briefing were Erelu Adeola Macaulay, Mr. Lanre Oshodi, Ms. Mayokun Thomas, Miss Kofoworola Macaulay, Miss Adeyinka Macaulay, Mr. Ayo Ogunlana, and Miss Turi Akerele, among others.
In his speech titled “Herbert Macaulay: The Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” George said the contributions of the nationalist, engineer, and political pioneer remain enduring.
He noted that Maclaulay laid the foundations of modern Nigerian political consciousness.
“Herbert Macaulay was born in 1864 to a lineage of education, faith, and service. He could have chosen comfort within the colonial system, but instead, he stood against injustice and spoke truth to power,” George added.
He highlighted Macaulay’s activism through the Lagos Daily News, his defense of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko against colonial authorities, and the founding of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 — Nigeria’s first political party.
“Macaulay’s politics was not about privilege but purpose. He transformed politics from the parlour rooms of colonial officials to the streets and markets of Lagos Island,” George said.
The family and their supporters urged the government to celebrate Macaulay distinctly, through initiatives such as public memorials, educational scholarships, and civic leadership programmes that reflect his values.
They added that his partnership with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe led to the formation of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944, a coalition that advanced the cause of independence.
“Herbert Macaulay died in 1946 while on a campaign for national unity. He was a patriot to his final breath — not a felon to be pardoned,” he said.
George called on the present generation of leaders to embody Macaulay’s ideals, adding, “If we truly seek to honour Herbert Macaulay today, we must not do so with mere words or statues. We must embody his principles in our politics — integrity, accountability, and service to the people.”
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