The family of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, has criticised the Federal Government for including his name in the recent list of posthumous pardons approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the decision as disrespectful and inappropriate.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, the family, represented by elder statesman and Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, Chief Olabode George, said while they appreciated the president’s recognition of Macaulay’s contributions to the nation, it was an error to place him alongside individuals of questionable reputation.
“If Papa is to be honoured, he must be honoured independently,” George said, speaking on behalf of the Macaulay family.
He added, “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.”
Present at the media 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 hailed the late icon as a visionary whose courage and intellect laid the foundation for modern Nigerian politics.
“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 said.
He recalled Macaulay’s bold activism through the Lagos Daily News, his defense of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko against British authorities, and his establishment of Nigeria’s first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), in 1923.
“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,” he said.
The family and its supporters urged the Federal Government to honour Macaulay in a way that truly reflects his legacy — through memorials, scholarships, and civic leadership programmes that inspire patriotism and service.
They also reminded Nigerians of Macaulay’s partnership with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, which led to the creation of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 — a major milestone in the nation’s independence struggle.
“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,” George said.
Calling on today’s leaders to uphold the values Macaulay stood for, George concluded, “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.”
