The family of late nationalist Herbert Macaulay has rejected his inclusion in the Federal Government’s list of individuals granted a presidential pardon under the recent Prerogative of Mercy approved by the Council of State.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for recognising Macaulay’s immense contributions to Nigeria’s independence struggle, the family condemned what it described as a “demeaning” decision to include his name alongside individuals of questionable character.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, elder statesman Chief Olabode George, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the move was inappropriate and contrary to the legacy of the man regarded as the Father of Nigerian Nationalism.
“If Papa is to be honoured, he must be honoured independently,” George said.
“Herbert Macaulay was not a criminal; he was a patriot, a visionary, and the grandson of the first African Anglican Bishop. He deserves isolation for national honour, not inclusion in a list of convicts.”
Other family members present at the briefing included Erelu Adeola Macaulay, Lanre Oshodi, Mayokun Thomas, Kofoworola Macaulay, Adeyinka Macaulay, Ayo Ogunlana, and Turi Akerele, among others.
In his speech titled “Herbert Macaulay: The Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” George recounted the late nationalist’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political awakening, citing his establishment of the Lagos Daily News, his defence of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko against colonial authorities, and the founding of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 — the country’s first political party.
“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 noted.
“His 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. Herbert Macaulay died in 1946 while campaigning for national unity. He was a patriot to his final breath — not a felon to be pardoned.”
George urged Nigerian leaders to emulate Macaulay’s values of integrity, accountability, and service to the people rather than limiting his legacy to symbolic recognition.
“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,” he said.
It will be recalled that Herbert Macaulay was among 175 individuals recently listed for clemency by the Tinubu administration under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy.