How best to preserve Herbert Macaulay’s legacy 80 years after death – Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged Nigerians to preserve the enduring legacy of the country’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay, by strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountable leadership and recommitting themselves to the ideals of justice, equity and national unity for which the nationalist devoted his life.

George made the call in his keynote address during the 80th anniversary of Herbert Macaulay’s death held in Lagos on Sunday.

The anniversary was attended by prominent politicians and elder statesmen including the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Sinatu Ojikutu; Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, among others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa who was also represented by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola said Macaulay’s activism laid the foundation for the nationalist movement which led to the country’s independence.

Macaulay founded the first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923.

George, who is the Aatona Odua of Yorubaland, argued that the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to the man widely regarded as the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism” is not merely through annual celebrations or monuments, but by completing the unfinished work of building a nation founded on justice, strong institutions and responsible leadership.

He described Macaulay as a visionary leader whose courage, intellect and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian cause laid the foundation for the country’s nationalist movement long before independence became a realistic political objective.

According to George, Macaulay earned his place in history through extraordinary personal sacrifice, confronting colonial authorities at a time when speaking against injustice carried significant personal consequences.

George maintained that while preserving historical monuments and organising memorial events remain important, the true preservation of Macaulay’s legacy lies in building institutions capable of protecting democracy, defending the rule of law and guaranteeing equal opportunities for all citizens.

Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to live lives of impact and service that will be remembered long after they leave public office, saying true leadership is measured by the legacy one leaves behind.

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