Captured in a moment of unwavering focus, Herbert Macaulay sits at a desk dressed in a light-colored suit and a bow tie, fully engrossed in the act of writing with a pen.
This photograph, taken in 1946 at his residence known as Kirsten Hall, House No. 8, Balbina Street, Lagos Island, is credited to Duckworth, E. H., 1894-1972, and housed in the Herskovits Library of African Studies.
A man of many talents and titles, Macaulay’s legacy is as diverse as the nicknames he acquired throughout his lifetime – from ‘Ejo n’Gboro’ (the one who throws scare into people as a snake would if seen in the city) to ‘the Wizard of Kirsten Hall’ and the ‘Grand Old Man of Lagos politics,’ among others.
Beyond his role as a surveyor, Macaulay left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Lagos. His designs adorned prestigious buildings such as the French Company’s premises on the Marina, Dr. Henry Carr’s house at Tinubu Square, Mr. E. J. Alex-Taylor’s residence at Victoria Road, Dr. A. Maja’s Doherty Villa, and the African Oil Nuts on the Marina.
Macaulay’s influence transcended professional boundaries; he was not merely a Nationalist, Musician, Surveyor, Journalist, Babalawo, and freedom fighter but also a thorn in the side of British Colonialists. Imprisoned in 1913 at the infamous Broad Street Prison, he endured hardship with unyielding resilience.
A man of flamboyance and style, Macaulay wore his passion for Lagos as a badge of honor, defending and fighting for the city with pride and dignity. His love for Ifa and the traditional ways of his forebears further underscored his commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Olayinka Herbert Samuel Heelas Badmus Macaulay, a visionary ahead of his time, drew his last breath on May 4, 1946, at Kirsten Hall. His residence, House No. 8, Balbina Street, Lagos Island, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on the history of Lagos and the fight for freedom and justice.
– Ayo Ademokoya