Aale of Okelerin Ogbomoso pays tribute to Herbert Macaulay on 80th memorial
Femi OGUNLANA
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Aale of Okeelerin, Ogbomoso, HRM Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebamiji Amao II, JP, has paid tribute to one of the foremost nationalists in Nigeria, Herbert Heelas Macaulay, submitting the late elder statesman’s life has continued to be an inspiration to generations.
The Aale’s remark was contained in a goodwill message to the organisers of the 80th anniversary of the death of Macaulay, who had invited him in view of the historical connection of his community to the nationalist. The event came up Wednesday, 21st of June, 2026.
In his goodwill message, Oba Amao hailed Macaulay’s commitment to justice and self-determination, noting he left a legacy of courage in speaking truth to power and in being people-centric just as he submitted that he inspired a stronger and united Nigeria.
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The monarch stressed that the nationalist though dead would never be forgotten because of what he stood for.
“This year makes 80 years since the passing of Herbert Macaulay, the father of Nigerian nationalism. We honor 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.”
“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’s recommit to the values he stood for: integrity, service, patriotism, unity and sacrifice for the nation. Good people may die, but definitely not their names.”
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Corroborating the Macaulay family’s disclosure that Hebert Macaulay, who died on May 7, 1946, hailed from Ile Arere, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, Aale expressed enthusiasm that the Aale Royal Family shares history with the Macaulay family and noted this had made Okelerin, Ogbomoso, a community of global reckoning.
“Quoting the second paragraph of your invitation letter, “…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’s Family and the Royal House of Okelerin in a history that predates the trans-Atlantic slave trade and continue to bind our people in culture and identity. This part of history will stay with us always, and it is enough to keep the Arere’s Family in global reckoning as a vital part of the Herbert Macaulay’s heritage. Death ends a life not a relationship.”
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He further said, “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’s Family across the globe.”
The traditional ruler charged the family to immortalize Ojo Oriare (paternal grandfather of Macaulay), who led the family out of Arere compound in Okelerin, and Herbert Macaulay himself, with monuments, as a testament to their glorious past, while assuring Ogbomoso will partner in the project.
“As I close, 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 or that of the national hero, Herbert Macaulay. It will stand as a true testament of their laurels to posterity. Such a monument can be a museum, a police station, an educational institute, a resource centre or something of a shared social benefit that reflects what those heroes lived and died for.
“The Okeelerin Community and, of course the entire Ogbomosoland under the able leadership of our paramount ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomosoland, will be willing to partner with the family to make this happen.”
In the invite sent to Aale signed by Mr. Oluwafemi Gladstone Macaulay, chairman, Herbert Heelas Macaulay 80th remembrance anniversary, on behalf of the organizers and descendants, it is stated, “Herbert Macaulay passed away on 7th May 1946, but his legacy as the Father of Nigerian Nationalism and a defender of indigenous rights continues to inspire across Yorubaland and Nigeria. His lifelong advocacy for the rights and dignity of our people reflects the same spirit of guardianship that your royal house has upheld for generations in Ogbomosho.”
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The organizers acknowledged the connection between Okelerin and the family asserting, “Your presence would greatly honour his memory and strengthen the bond between Ogbomosho and Lagos in preserving our shared heritage. We would be deeply grateful for your attendance and for any royal blessing or goodwill message you may wish to share.”
The memorial programme with the theme, “Herbert Macaulay lives Forever,” included a commemoration service at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, and a reception at Admiralty Hall, Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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