To many, he is remembered as the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” a title he earned not through mere rhetoric but through relentless activism, bold political moves, and an unyielding desire to see his people liberated from the shackles of colonialism.
Born on November 14, 1864, in Lagos, Herbert Macaulay’s was the grandson of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop. This lineage of resilience undeniably shaped Macaulay’s worldview. Raised in a household that balanced Western education with a deep sense of African pride, he grew up witnessing the complexities of colonial rule, the so-called ‘civilising mission’ of the British, which often came at the expense of native rights and traditions.
He attended the prestigious CMS Grammar School in Lagos, a school known for producing some of Nigeria’s finest intellectuals. But his thirst for knowledge extended beyond the shores of Lagos. In 1890, he travelled to England, where he studied civil engineering at the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Imperial Institute in London. It was a remarkable feat at the time, a young Nigerian man pursuing a technical education in the very heart of the British Empire.
Yet, his time in England was more than just academic. It opened his eyes to the stark contrast between the British ideals of justice and democracy and the reality of colonial governance back home. Macaulay began to see the hypocrisy of a system that preached liberty but practised subjugation, and this awareness would become the foundation of his future activism.
Returning to Nigeria in 1893, Macaulay took up a position as a surveyor for the colonial government. However, his experience within the system only deepened his disillusionment. He witnessed firsthand the unfair treatment of Nigerians, the dispossession of indigenous land, and the blatant disregard for traditional leadership structures. Rather than silently accepting these injustices, Macaulay chose to fight back.
His activism took various forms — from the courtroom to the press and the political stage. Macaulay was a fierce defender of land rights, often using his legal knowledge to challenge the colonial government’s attempts to strip Lagosians of their property. One of his most notable battles was the “Eleko affair” of the 1920s, where he championed the cause of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko, the traditional ruler of Lagos, against British interference in local affairs. This confrontation solidified his reputation as a man willing to stand up to the colonial authorities, no matter the personal cost.
But Macaulay didn’t stop at legal battles. Understanding the power of the media, he founded The Lagos Daily News — the first daily newspaper in Nigeria dedicated to promoting nationalist ideals and exposing colonial misconduct. Through its pages, Macaulay fearlessly criticised the government, rallied public support for his causes, and kept the flame of resistance alive. His words were sharp, his arguments compelling, and his influence undeniable.
Politically, Herbert Macaulay was a trailblazer. In 1923, he co-founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), Nigeria’s first political party. The NNDP gave a political platform to the growing nationalist movement, advocating for self-governance, better representation for Nigerians, and the protection of native land rights. It was a bold step — establishing a formal opposition within a system designed to suppress dissent.
Yet, Macaulay’s nationalism wasn’t confined to Nigeria alone. He believed in the broader African liberation movement and maintained relationships with other African nationalists. To him, Nigeria’s fight for freedom was part of a larger struggle against colonialism across the continent. This Pan-African vision added another layer to his activism, as he sought not just Nigeria’s liberation but the awakening of an entire continent.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Macaulay remained deeply connected to the masses. He was a familiar figure at protests, a voice at public gatherings, and a constant advocate for the working class. His charisma drew people to him, and his willingness to suffer imprisonment for the cause of justice only strengthened his standing among the people. Arrested twice by the British — once for alleged misappropriation of funds and again for sedition — Macaulay’s spirit remained unbroken. Each time he emerged from prison, his resolve seemed even stronger.
His alliance with Nnamdi Azikiwe in the 1940s further pushed the nationalist agenda forward. Together, they formed the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 — a political party that would play a key role in Nigeria’s eventual push for independence. Though Macaulay did not live to see Nigeria gain independence in 1960, his groundwork was instrumental in paving the way for future leaders.
Herbert Macaulay died on May 7, 1946, but his legacy remains a vital part of Nigeria’s history. His face once adorned the one naira note, a reminder of his contribution to the nation’s development. But beyond the currency, his name lives on in the spirit of every Nigerian who dares to challenge injustice and dreams of a better tomorrow.
