The death of prominent Nigerian activist Abiodun Aremu has sent shockwaves through the country’s labour and civil society groups. Aremu, a vital figure in the Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) and the Joint Action Front (JAF), was tragically killed on Sunday evening in Ifo, Ogun State, in what appears to have been a hit-and-run incident.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep sorrow over Aremu’s passing, describing him as “a titan of the class struggle, an organic intellectual of the working people, and an unwavering internationalist.” In an official statement released on Monday, the NLC paid tribute to Aremu’s life, which it described as a “testament to unflinching dedication to the oppressed.”
In his statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero hailed Aremu for his political commitment, stating that Aremu’s life exemplified “a seamless fusion of revolutionary theory and concrete praxis,” adding that Aremu’s unwavering advocacy for the emancipation of the working class and the creation of a more egalitarian society was unmatched.
Ajaero also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Aremu’s death, drawing troubling parallels to the 2021 death of activist Patrick Naagbanton. He called the hit-and-run incident a “sinister pattern,” casting doubt on the nature of Aremu’s death.
“We cannot, and will not, accept this as a mere accident. The Nigerian state must dispel the foul odour surrounding his death by apprehending the perpetrator and revealing the full truth. The working class deserves answers,” Ajaero demanded, underscoring the need for transparency.
The NLC president further emphasized the importance of continuing Aremu’s work, urging the public to honour him by pushing forward the ideals he championed. “The greatest tribute we can pay to this fearless teacher is to immortalise him not just in tears, but in action,” Ajaero said. He called for renewed dedication to “the relentless struggle against exploitation, the ideological clarity of the left, and the building of a mass movement capable of acquiring power for the people.”
The NLC also made a call to Nigerians and supporters to come together for a “befitting, ideological burial” for Aremu in Ifo, Ogun State, on October 23. They encouraged those who knew Aremu to rally together to ensure his contributions to the labour movement and society are never forgotten.
This tragic incident has sparked widespread calls for justice, with both the NLC and the progressive civil society pressing for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into Aremu’s death.
As Ajaero concluded, “We must support his family and stand firm in the fight for the causes he devoted his life to.”
