On July 22, 1923, Chief Anthony Eronsele Enahoro was born in Uromi, in present-day Edo State.
Born into the Okpebho Royal Family, he was the son of Anastasius Okotako Enahoro, popularly known as Chief Ukponga Enahoro, an educator.
Enahoro’s journalism career began early. At 21 he became editor of the _Southern Nigerian Defender, and he later wrote for Zik’s Comet and Daily Service before founding the _National Citizen. His colleagues remembered his pen as being as sharp as his politics.
At 30, as a member of the House of Representatives, he made history. On March 31, 1953, he moved the first motion for Nigeria’s independence “as soon as practicable.” Though initially opposed, the motion was eventually adopted in 1956, laying the groundwork for independence in 1960.
He later served as Federal Commissioner for Information and Labour. In the 1990s he chaired the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, during the struggle to restore democracy.
Enahoro endured periods of exile and imprisonment for his activism, yet remained a consistent advocate for civil liberties until his death in London on December 15, 2009, at age 86.
Today, schools, streets, and Benin Airport bear his name — a lasting tribute to the boy from Uromi who helped birth a nation.
