By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Labour movements in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), political activist, Omoyele Sowore, Senator Shehu Sani, among others, have mourned the death of labour leader, Abiodun Aremu.
This is even as his family has agreed with the labour movement to postpone his burial till Thursday, October 23, to allow organised labour and sympathisers adequate time to mobilise and give him a befitting farewell.
The 65-year-old labour leader and Secretary of the Joint Action Front died on Sunday, October 12, after he was hit by a vehicle around 6 p.m. while crossing the road near his residence in Ota, Ogun State.
Aremu was rushed to a nearby hospital, where efforts to resuscitate him failed and he was later pronounced dead.
In a condolence message issued on Monday by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC described Aremu’s death as a “tragic and untimely” loss to the Nigerian working class and the global progressive movement.
Ajaero hailed Aremu’s dedication to the labour movement and his instrumental role in the founding of several pro-labour platforms, including the Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) and the Joint Action Front (JAF), describing him as a true workers’ general who never wavered, never compromised, and never retreated.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the entire spectrum of the progressive Civil Society in Nigeria are plunged into deep grief and shattering sorrow by the tragic and untimely death of our comrade, teacher, and steadfast General, Comrade Abiodun ‘Aremson’ Aremu.
“Comrade Aremu was no ordinary man; he was a titan of the class struggle, an organic intellectual of the working people, and an unwavering internationalist whose life was a testament to unalloyed commitment to the cause of the oppressed.
“His entire political life was a seamless fusion of revolutionary theory and concrete praxis, dedicated to the emancipation of the working class and the construction of an egalitarian, socialist society,” Ajaero stated.
The TUC, in a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade N. A. Toro, described Aremu’s demise as “an irreparable loss to the entire Nigerian labour movement and all progressive forces across the globe.”
The statement read, “Comrade Aremu was not only a committed activist but a steadfast voice for the voiceless, a defender of the downtrodden, the oppressed, and all those whose dignity was trampled upon by social and economic injustice.
“Throughout his life, he remained unwavering in his belief in a fair, just, and equitable society, and he gave his time, intellect, and energy to the pursuit of that noble vision.”
Similarly, NUPENG, in a statement by its National Executive President, Comrade Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, said Aremu was “one of Nigeria’s finest revolutionaries and internationalists” and “towering pillar of the working class.”
“Our hearts are heavy, and the entire Labour Movement in Nigeria stands still, shrouded in sorrow. Comrade Aremu was not just a leader; he was the very conscience of the struggle, an inimitable force whose life was a testament to unwavering commitment to the emancipation of the working class and the oppressed globally,” NUPENG stated.
It added, “The greatest honour we, the members of NUPENG and the entire working class can bestow upon our fearless teacher and leader is not just in our mourning, but in our resolve
“We pledge to continue steadfastly in his footsteps, to pick up the banner he has laid down, and to rededicate ourselves to the relentless pursuit of a world founded on equity, dignity, and social justice.”
In a Facebook post to mourn the death of Aremu, Sowore said the late activist’s contributions to social justice and liberation struggles in Africa would not be forgotten.
He wrote, “Sad to hear that our revolutionary senior comrade and mentor, Abiodun Aremu, has passed away. We will deeply miss his courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice and the liberation of the African continent.
“May his soul rest in power, and may his legacy continue to inspire the struggle for a freer, fairer, and just world.”
Senator Shehu Sani, who posted his condolence message on his official X handle, said, “Sad to receive the news of the tragic death of Comrade Abiodun Aremu, who was killed by a hit and run driver yesterday. Aremu was one of the Nation’s foremost and most unrelenting students, human rights and labour activists. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen.
