NLC, TUC Mourn Death of Pro-Labour Activist, Abiodun Aremu
NLC, TUC Mourn Death of Pro-Labour Activist, Abiodun Aremu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have expressed deep grief over the sudden death of veteran pro-labour activist, Comrade Abiodun “Aremson” Aremu.
According to his family, Aremu will be laid to rest on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The 65-year-old activist reportedly died on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver near his residence in Ota, Ogun State, around 6 p.m. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite efforts to revive him.
In a statement issued on Monday, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described Aremu’s death as a “tragic and untimely loss” to the Nigerian labour movement and the global progressive community.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress and the entire 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,” Ajaero stated.
He eulogised Aremu as “a titan of the class struggle, an organic intellectual of the working people, and an unwavering internationalist” whose life was dedicated to the emancipation of the working class and the pursuit of an egalitarian, socialist society.
Ajaero recalled Aremu’s pivotal role in establishing key pro-labour platforms such as the Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) and the Joint Action Front (JAF), describing him as a “true workers’ General who never wavered, compromised, or retreated.”
He further expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding Aremu’s death, describing the incident as suspicious and calling for a transparent and thorough investigation by both federal and state authorities.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress demands an immediate, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into this heinous act. We cannot, and will not, accept this as a mere accident,” Ajaero declared.
He announced that a mass funeral gathering would be held in Ifo, Ogun State, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, urging Nigerians and comrades to honour Aremu’s legacy through continued struggle and action.
“The greatest tribute we can pay to this fearless teacher is to immortalise him not in tears, but in action,” Ajaero said.
Similarly, the Trade Union Congress, in a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade N. A. Toro, described Aremu as “a towering figure in the fight for social justice, human rights, and the liberation of the working people.”
“Comrade Aremu was not only a committed activist but also a steadfast voice for the voiceless, a defender of the oppressed, and a tireless advocate for justice and equality,” the statement read.
The TUC described his passing as “an irreparable loss to the Nigerian labour movement and all progressive forces globally,” urging activists to draw inspiration from his legacy of courage and conviction.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council and all members of the Congress, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, comrades, and compatriots. May his legacy of courage, conviction, and dedication to the people’s cause continue to inspire us,” the TUC added.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give us the strength to bear this monumental loss. Farewell, Comrade Abiodun Aremu — your struggle lives on.”
