The family of the late Nigerian nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, has rejected his inclusion in President Bola Tinubu’s list of 175 pardoned individuals, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful to his legacy.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, the family said it was wrong to classify Macaulay, a freedom fighter and political pioneer, among those who were convicted of crimes.
Elder statesman Chief Olabode George, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed appreciation for the government’s recognition of Macaulay’s contributions but described the posthumous pardon as “demeaning.”
He stated that the correct way to honour the nationalist should be through distinct recognition, not by grouping him with people “who needed forgiveness for wrongdoing.”
“Herbert Macaulay served Nigeria with honour and integrity,” George said.
“He does not deserve to be listed among those who violated the law. He deserves a national honour, not a pardon.”
George reminded Nigerians that Macaulay, born in 1864, was one of the earliest voices against colonial injustice.
He founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923, the first political party in the country, and played a key role in defending traditional rulers and advancing political awareness during the colonial era.
He added that Macaulay’s activism laid the foundation for modern Nigerian nationalism, inspiring later freedom movements that led to independence.
The family emphasized that Macaulay, who died in 1946 while campaigning for national unity, should be remembered as a patriot and liberator, not as someone requiring absolution.
They called on today’s leaders to emulate his values of honesty, sacrifice, and public service, saying true honour lies in upholding the principles he lived for.
“If the government truly wishes to honour Herbert Macaulay,” George said, “it must preserve his ideals not rewrite his legacy.”
