Anthony Enahoro

**Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro CFR: A Biography** Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro CFR (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010) was a renowned Nigerian nationalist, journalist, politician, and foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist. He is widely regarded as one of the pivotal figures in Nigeria’s movement for independence. **Early Life and Education** Anthony Enahoro was born on 22 July 1923, in Uromi, in the then Western Region of British Nigeria (now Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria). He was the eldest of ten children born to Anastasius Okotako Enahoro and Fidelia Inibokun (née Ogbidi Okojie), a princess. He attended Government School Uromi, Government School Owo, and King's College, Lagos. During his time at King's College in the 1940s, he emerged as a student leader and participated in several anti-colonial protests. He was known for his sporting background, excelling in sports and is credited as the first Nigerian national to gain membership of a golf club in Nigeria. **Career Progression and Political Activism** Enahoro had a long and distinguished career that spanned journalism, politics, and pro-democracy activism. He began his career in journalism, and was influential in the Nigerian press. He was jailed multiple times by the colonial government for sedition, initially for an article mocking a former governor, and later for allegedly inciting Nigerian troops serving in the British army. In 1950, Enahoro, alongside Arthur Prest, founded the Mid-West Party, and published *The Nigerian* newspaper from 1950 to 1953. The Mid-West Party later merged with the Action Group in 1951. His political career included serving as a member of the Western House of Assembly. Following Nigeria's independence, he continued to be active in politics, eventually co-founding the Movement for National Reformation. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Chief Anthony Enahoro's most significant achievement occurred in 1953 when he became the first person to move the motion for Nigeria's independence in the Western House of Assembly. Although the motion faced initial political setbacks and was ultimately granted in 1960, his action is considered the defining moment that set the timetable for Nigeria’s freedom from British rule. He is often recognized by many academics and Nigerians as the "Father of the Nigeria State." In 1982, the Nigerian federal government conferred on him the national honour of Commander, Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). **Current Status** Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro died on 15 December 2010, at the age of 87, in his residence in Benin City, Nigeria, following a prolonged battle with diabetes. He was survived by his wife, Helen (née Ediae), and their five children: Kenneth, Eugene, Bella, Victor, and Gabriel Enahoro.