As Nigeria marks the 80th anniversary of the passing of the father of Nigerian nationalism, Herbert Macaulay, the Aale of Okeelerin, Ogbomoso, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebamiji Amao II, JP, has called on the Macaulay family to immortalise the late nationalist and his grandfather, Pa Ojo Oriare, through a landmark legacy project that will preserve their enduring contributions to the nation’s history and heritage.
The Monarch made the appeal in his goodwill message to the organisers of the 80th remembrance of the nationalist who had invited him to the event in view of the historical connection of his community to the nationalist.
Oba Amao described Herbert Macaulay as the father of Nigerian nationalism whose courage, foresight and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
“This year makes 80 years since the passing of Herbert Macaulay, the father of Nigerian nationalism. We honour his courage, foresight and unwavering commitment to justice and self-determination. His legacy reminds us that nation-building begins with speaking truth to power and putting people first. May his ideals continue to inspire us toward a stronger, united Nigeria,” the royal father said.
Oba Oyebamiji noted that although Herbert Macaulay died eight decades ago, his ideals remain relevant in contemporary Nigeria.
“Eighty years ago, Nigeria lost Herbert Macaulay, but his spirit of advocacy, education and national pride remains. He showed us that one voice, rooted in truth, can spark a movement. As we remember him today, let us recommit ourselves to the values he stood for: integrity, service, patriotism, unity and sacrifice for the nation. Good people may die, but definitely not their names,” he declared.
The traditional ruler also spoke on the historical and genealogical ties between the Macaulay family and the Okeelerin Royal House in Ogbomoso, describing the connection as a source of pride for the community.
Quoting from the organisers’ invitation letter, Oba Oyebamiji said: “Oral history and recent genealogical research indicate that Herbert Macaulay’s paternal grandfather, Ojo Oriare, originated from Ile Arere of Okeelerin, Ogbomoso. This shared heritage links the Macaulay family and the Royal House in a history that predates the trans-Atlantic slave trade and continues to bind our people in culture and identity.”
According to him, “This part of history will stay with us always, and it is enough to keep the Arere family in global reckoning as a vital part of Herbert Macaulay’s heritage. Death ends a life, not a relationship.”
The monarch said that as the traditional head of the Okeelerin Community, he was conveying the goodwill, affection and solidarity of the people of Okeelerin to members of the Macaulay family across the world.
“As the traditional head of the Okeelerin Community, I represent the interest of the good people of our community to bring our warmth of love and affection to the Herbert Macaulay family across the globe,” he stated.
Oba Oyebamiji further challenged the Macaulay family to immortalise the memories of both Herbert Macaulay and Pa Ojo Oriare through projects that would benefit society.
“Our dead are not dead until they are forgotten. I implore the family to come up with a legacy project to immortalise the memories of our patriarch, Pa Ojo Oriare, and that of the national hero, Herbert Macaulay. It will stand as a true testament of their laurels to posterity,” he said.
He suggested that such a legacy could take the form of “a museum, a police station, an educational institute, a resource centre or something of shared social benefit that reflects what those heroes lived and died for.”
The royal father also pledged the support of the Okeelerin Community and the people of Ogbomosoland towards the realization of the proposed project.
“The Okeelerin Community and, of course, the entire Ogbomosoland, under the able leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, will be willing to partner with the family to make this happen,” he said.
Oba Oyebamiji concluded by praying for the Macaulay family and all Nigerians, expressing optimism that Herbert Macaulay’s enduring legacy would continue to inspire patriotism, national unity and selfless service for generations to come.
