Anthony Enahoro: The Journalist Who Moved Nigeria’s Historic Independence Motion

Chief Anthony Enahoro was a journalist, activist and politician whose 1953 motion in the Federal House of Representatives called for Nigeria’s self-government. The motion became a defining step on the road to independence in 1960. Born in Uromi, present-day Edo State, Enahoro became one of Nigeria’s youngest newspaper editors after working with publications including the Southern Nigerian Defender, Daily Comet, West African Pilot and Morning Star. He later entered politics through the Mid-West Party and the Action Group. His political career was marked by both influence and persecution. He was extradited from the United Kingdom during the treason trial linked to the Western Region crisis and was imprisoned until 1966. He later served in General Yakubu Gowon’s government and became a leading pro-democracy voice under military rule. Enahoro also backed greater representation for women in politics. His efforts helped secure the appointment of qualified women to the Western Region legislature, setting an important precedent for women’s participation in Nigerian public life.

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