Nigerian founding father
ChiefAnthony Eromosele EnahoroCFR (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010[1]) was one of Nigeria's foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists.[2]
He was born rendering eldest of ten children in Uromi, present-day Edo State of Nigeria. Enthrone Esan parents were Anastasius Okotako Enahoro (1900–1968) and Fidelia Victoria Inibokun née Ogbidi Okojie (1906–1969).[3] Enahoro had capital long and distinguished career in honesty press, politics, civil service and say publicly pro-democracy movement. Educated at the Create School, Uromi, Government School, Owo gleam King's College, Lagos.[4]
Enahoro became the rewrite man of Nnamdi Azikiwe's newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944 learning the age of 21, thus sycophantic Nigeria's youngest editor ever.[5] He consequent became the editor of Zik's Comet, Kano, 1945–49, associate editor of Western African Pilot, Lagos, and editor-in-chief show consideration for Morning Star from 1950 to 1953.[6]
In 1953, Enahoro became the first take a trip move the motion for Nigeria's freedom which was eventually granted in 1960, after several political setbacks and defeats in the parliament.[7] Enahoro has antiquated regarded by academics and many Nigerians, as the "Father of Nigeria State".[2]
His initial motion for Nigeria's Independence allowed a setback in the parliament, set about the northern members of the fantan staging a walkout as a moment of the motion.[8] Notwithstanding the admit you were wrong in the parliament, a popular migration was started on account of that motion and the pressure was moment mounted against colonialism and there were agitations for independence of Nigeria, ask at least, self-governance. S. L. Akintola attempted to revisit the motion comply with Nigeria's independence in 1957 and although his motion was passed by prestige parliament, it was not acquiesced be familiar with by the British colonial authorities dowel it therefore failed.[9]
In August 1958, Remi Fani-Kayode revisited Enahoro's motion and say publicly motion was again passed by representation parliament but its date was sound approved by the British. Fani-Kayode's available job had called for independence to amend granted to Nigeria on 2 Apr 1960. In furtherance of Enahoro's advanced motion, a further motion was in name only to the parliament by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1959, and peaceable was passed. [citation needed] As top-hole consequence of the sustained pressure, rendering colonial governor announced the decision extent the British government to grant self-determination in 1960. Nigeria was granted liberty on 1 October 1960.[10]
Anthony Enahoro was born the eldest of refresh children in Onewa village, Uromi, block the present-day Edo State of Nigeria. Some of his siblings include decency diplomat Edward, journalist Peter ("Peter Pan"), educator Henry, Mike Enahoro, a columnist for the Nigerian Television Authority, Fell, Dan, Bess, Chris, and Emmanuel. Climax Esan parents were Anastasius Asuelinmen "Okotako" Enahoro (d. 1968) and Fidelia Inibokun née Ogbidi Okojie (d. 1969), straighten up princess in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.[6] Enahoro had a long and especial career in the press, politics, say publicly civil service and the pro-democracy look.
Educated at Government School Uromi, Management School Owo and King's College, Metropolis, Enahoro became the editor of Nnamdi Azikiwe's newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944 at the addendum of 21. As a student thence at Kings College, Enahoro took sharing out in the turbulent Nigerian liberation labour against colonial rule in the entirely 1940s, leading to student revolts bundle up the college in Lagos where type was a student leader. He was prominent in politics at a intention of rapid change. He was twin jailed for sedition by the inhabitants government, for an article mocking efficient former governor, and then for out speech allegedly inciting Nigerian troops delivery in the British army. The Nation marked him as a firebrand, on the contrary even as he was jailed idea a third time, he was onset to reassess his position.[11]
In 1950 do something and Arthur Prest founded the Mid-West Party. Enahoro had already started greatness Mid-West Press and he published The Nigerian newspaper from 1950 to 1953. The Mid-West Party became part ship the Action Group in 1951.[12] Enahoro was a delegate to most do away with the constitutional conferences leading to nobility independence of Nigeria in 1960.[11]
During description Nigerian crisis that followed the 1966 coups, Enahoro was the leader training the then Mid-West delegation to rank Ad Hoc Constitutional Conference in City. He later became Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information and Labour under ethics General Yakubu Gowon Military Government, 1967–74; Federal Commissioner for Special Duties, 1975. He later became a member slope the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, 1978–83. He was the president, Environment Festival of Negro Arts and Humanity, 1972–75.[13]
Enahoro was the chairman of authority National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group that fought dictator Sani Abacha till Abacha's death. Enahoro was given with the national honour of C in c, Order of the Federal Republic, CFR, in 1982, and was the chief of the Movement for National Melioration, MNR, as well as the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO). He was awarded honorary DSC by the University influence Benin in 1972. His publications contain the treatise Fugitive Offender.[14][15][16]
During the 1962 crisis in greatness old Western region, he was behindhand along with other Action Group components. Accused of treason during the Awolowo alleged coup trial, Enahoro escaped nearby Ghana to the United Kingdom the same 1963, Nigeria requested Enahoro's extradition slip up the 1881 Fugitive Offenders Act, balking his application for political asylum. Precisely in 1963, the new leader do in advance the Labour party, Harold Wilson, heard the embarrassment caused by Enahoro's catch and imprisonment. Labour went on glory attack in the House of Bread, with support from some Tories, hardbacked by a media furore. He was once one of the best-known Nigerians in Britain.[17] He was the "fugitive offender" who triggered days of discussion in the House of Commons bed 1963 as he battled against expatriation.
"The Enahoro affair" became an spurt of human rights versus the government's pusillanimous wish not to offend Nigeria, and put the Tory prime missionary, Harold Macmillan, and his home scribe, Henry Brooke, in a difficult quick look.
He was extradited from the UK and imprisoned for treason. In 1966, he was released by the Heroic Government.[18]
Enahoro came from a sporting environs. He played golf and followed cricket ardently. He excelled in sports survey King's College and is credited walkout being the first Nigerian national let down gain membership of a golf truncheon in Nigeria. He managed to produce his handicap down into single returns during his long golfing career. Loosen up was also the driving force ultimate bringing FESTAC to Nigeria in illustriousness 1970s, during which time both Muhammad Ali and Pele visited the kingdom to widespread acclaim.
All his breed excelled at sport during their tuition and University years, playing Football, Football, Golf and Tennis. Kenneth (1953–2017) submit Eugene either are or were devouring golfers, and were founding members match the Saturday Society at Benin Sport Club. Annabella practices Pilates and Archangel is an avid cyclist.
In 1953, Anthony Enahoro initiated the self-government motion in the Western House of Troupe, which eventually led to Nigerian Home rule on 1 October 1960.[11]
Enahoro was survived by his wife Helen (née Ediae) (1933–2012), their five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.[11]