The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and several progressive civil society organizations have been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden death of Comrade Abiodun Aremu, a renowned activist and unwavering defender of the working class.
Aremu, aged 65, was reportedly killed in a hit-and-run accident on Sunday, October 12, 2025, near his residence in Ota, Ogun State. According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. as he attempted to cross the road to his home.
The late activist was widely recognized for his fearless advocacy, intellectual depth, and lifelong dedication to the emancipation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed. His tragic death has sparked outrage and calls for justice across the labour movement.
In a statement released by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC described Aremu’s passing as a monumental loss not only to the labour movement but to the entire Nigerian populace — especially the poor and marginalized whose struggles he championed.
The statement read:
“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. His entire life reflected an unshakeable commitment to the liberation of the oppressed and the construction of a just, egalitarian society.
“As one of the key architects of the Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) and the Joint Action Front (JAF), Aremu played a vital role in uniting the working class with the wider masses. He believed that the liberation of Nigerians could only be achieved through a united front against the forces of exploitation. He was a true general of the workers—unyielding, fearless, and uncompromising in his convictions.
“The circumstances surrounding his death raise serious concerns. This so-called ‘hit-and-run’ incident bears similarities to the mysterious death of another activist, Patrick Naagbanton. We therefore call on both the federal and Ogun State governments to launch an immediate, transparent, and thorough investigation into this suspicious tragedy.”
NUPENG: “An Irreplaceable Pillar of the Labour Movement”
In its own statement, the leadership of NUPENG, represented by President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, described Aremu as an irreplaceable pillar in the struggle for workers’ liberation.
“Comrade Aremu was not merely a leader; he was the conscience of the struggle — a visionary and uncompromising voice for justice,” the statement read. “His contributions to the establishment of platforms such as LASCO and the Kolagbodi Memorial Foundation have left an indelible mark on the labour movement.”
AMFJ: “A Beacon of Ideological Clarity and Pan-Africanism”
The Afrikan Movement for Freedom and Justice (AMFJ) also paid tribute to the late activist, describing him as a beacon of ideological clarity and a true Pan-Africanist.
In a statement by Afrikanus Ande, the group said:
“At a time when ideological direction seems to be fading among students, workers, and young people, Aremu — fondly called ‘Aremson’ — rekindled the flame of revolutionary consciousness. His teachings reminded Nigerians of the enduring values of equity, justice, and collective ownership. If Nigeria had five Aremsons, the revolution would have long been achieved.”
Comrade Abiodun Aremu’s death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s labour and civil rights movements, leaving behind a legacy of courage, solidarity, and unrelenting struggle for a just society.
