The family of the late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting him a state pardon but insisted that he deserved greater national honours and recognition in view of his contributions to national unity and Nigeria’s attainment of independence.
The family made the call on Thursday at a press briefing addressed by the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, accompanied by Erelu Adeola Macaulay, Mr Lanre Oshodi, Ms Mayokun Thomas, Miss Kofoworola Macaulay, Miss Adeyinka Macaulay, Mr Ayo Ogunlana, and Miss Turi Akerele. They maintained that the late Macaulay’s contributions to national unity could not be overlooked.
George, a former military administrator of old Ondo State, said that while the family appreciated the state pardon granted to the late politician and nationalist, they were unhappy that it was lumped together with that of individuals of questionable character, such as drug barons and murderers. He insisted that Macaulay should have been singled out for special recognition and honour.
The PDP chieftain recalled that Macaulay was hated, harassed, and humiliated by the British colonial authorities because he stood up against them and championed the cause of Nigerians, insisting that the people were mature enough to rule themselves.
According to him, the late Macaulay served as the bridge between the educated elite and the ordinary Nigerian, understanding that political freedom was meaningless without social justice.
‘Herbert Macaulay understood something fundamental – that political freedom is meaningless without social justice. He spoke up for the working class, the market women, the artisans, and the dispossessed.
‘He was the bridge between the educated elite and the ordinary Nigerian. He believed that leadership must not be about privilege but about purpose. In his time, he took risks – he was imprisoned twice by the colonial government, yet he never wavered.
‘He transformed politics from the parlour rooms of colonial officials into the streets and markets of Lagos Island. He made politics a people’s affair. And for that, he earned the title that endures to this day – the Father of Nigerian Nationalism,’ George stated.
Speaking further, Chief George said a better way to honour Macaulay would be to rebuild his house, which was demolished by the British government and where the General Post Office now stands, and to erect a museum or national monument there as an everlasting tribute to his memory.
‘He was never a religious or ethnic bigot, and he deserves commendation. His contributions cannot be forgotten; he deserves not to be lumped together with the rest. We call for an everlasting honour to his memory – that is our request.
‘Herbert Macaulay’s legacy is not confined to history books or monuments. His ideas remain alive in every debate about governance, equity, and national identity in Nigeria today,’ George said.