Descendants of Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to return the property housing the General Post Office in Lagos to the family for a permanent memorial in his honour.
Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and great grandnephew of Macaulay, made the appeal on Saturday at the Herbert Macaulay Memorial Colloquium organised to mark the nationalist’s 162nd birthday anniversary.
The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, had former President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the Occasion.
George said the family was prepared to develop the property into a permanent memorial hall to preserve Macaulay’s legacy and educate younger generations about his contributions to Nigeria’s political development.
He said the house where Macaulay lived was demolished after his death in 1946, while the General Post Office was subsequently built on the site.
“If you look at the back of the programme pamphlet, you will see the house in which he lived. The British colonial authorities were so apprehensive of his activities and influence.
“Following Papa’s death in 1946, the house was demolished, and the General Post Office was subsequently built on the site. That building remains the General Post Office today.
“We therefore wish to appeal to the President to consider returning that property to the family. We are prepared to build a permanent memorial hall in honour of Herbert Macaulay,” he said.
George described Macaulay as a special gift to Nigeria, whose courage, commitment and political philosophy remained relevant to contemporary leadership.
He said Macaulay demonstrated that public office and political participation should be driven by service to the people rather than personal benefits.
“Herbert Macaulay is a special gift to Nigeria from Almighty God. We have this opportunity to listen to distinguished scholars and discuss the philosophy, strategies and remarkable achievements of our great-granduncle, Herbert Macaulay.
“He was committed, courageous and resourceful. He demonstrated that when you decide to become a public officer or venture into politics, it should not be for personal benefit.
“It must be an act of service to the people,” George said.
