The family of the late nationalist Herbert Macaulay has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to include him in a recent list of posthumous pardons granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, the family, supported by elder statesman Chief Olabode George (Atona Oodua of Yorubaland), appreciated the President’s gesture of recognizing Macaulay’s historical role but stressed that it was “wrong and demeaning” to “lump” him together with individuals described as having “questionable character.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Chief Olabode George insisted that if the late nationalist were to be honored, “he must be honoured independently.”
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George firmly 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.”
In his speech titled “Herbert Macaulay: The Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” George noted that Macaulay’s contributions as an engineer and political pioneer remain “enduring” and that he “laid the foundations of modern Nigerian political consciousness.”
George highlighted Macaulay’s dedicated activism, saying, “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.”
He added that “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.”
The family and their supporters cited Macaulay’s work through the Lagos Daily News, his defense of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko, and the founding of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 (Nigeria’s first political party), as evidence of his patriotic nature.
They further noted that his partnership with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe led to the formation of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944.
George concluded by emphasizing Macaulay’s dedication: “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.
The family urged the Federal Government to celebrate Macaulay distinctly through initiatives such as public memorials, educational scholarships, and civic leadership programs that properly reflect his values.
George called on current leaders to embody the nationalist’s ideals, stating: “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.”
Other family members present at the briefing included Erelu Adeola Macaulay, Mr. Lanre Oshodi, Ms. Mayokun Thomas, Miss Kofoworola Macaulay, Miss Adeyinka Macaulay, Mr. Ayo Ogunlana, and Miss Turi Akerele, among others.
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