Milton Margai
Sir Milton Margai | |
|---|---|
| 1st Prime Minister of Sierra Leone | |
| In office 27 April 1961 – 28 April 1964 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governors-General | Maurice Henry Dorman Henry Josiah Lightfoot Boston |
| Preceded by | position established |
| Succeeded by | Sir Albert Margai |
| Chief Minister of Sierra Leone | |
| In office 9 July 1954 – 14 August 1958 | |
| Leader of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) | |
| In office 1951–1964 | |
| Preceded by | Position created |
| Succeeded by | Sir Albert Margai |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Milton Augustus Strieby Margai 7 December 1895 |
| Died | 28 April 1964 (aged 68) Freetown, Sierra Leone |
| Resting place | At the Sierra Leone House of Parliament compound Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone |
| Party | Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) |
| Profession | Physician |
Sir Milton Augustus Strieby Margai PC (7 December 1895 – 28 April 1964) was a Sierra Leonean physician and politician who served as the country's head of government from 1954 until his death in 1964. He was titled chief minister from 1954 to 1960, and then prime minister from 1961 onwards. Margai studied medicine in England, and upon returning to his homeland became a prominent public health campaigner. He entered politics as the founder and inaugural leader of the Sierra Leone People's Party. Margai oversaw Sierra Leone's transition to independence, which occurred in 1961. He died in office aged 68, and was succeeded as prime minister by his brother Albert. Margai enjoyed the support of Sierra Leoneans across classes, who respected his moderate style, friendly demeanor, and political savvy.