The entire labour movement and the Nigerian delegation are in mourning following the death of Domingo Adeleke, who passed away while attending the 114th session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), died on Tuesday in a French hospital after a brief illness.
He was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the conference when he reportedly fell ill and was subsequently taken for medical attention, where he later died. The development was confirmed by an official of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who described Adeleke as a committed trade unionist dedicated to workers’ welfare.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the entire trade union movement in Nigeria, especially the 2026 Workers’ Delegates to the International Labour Conference, announce the passing of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, who died in Geneva after a brief illness while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference,” the official said.
A member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Adeleke served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council, where he was actively involved in labour-related advocacy and workers’ welfare initiatives. According to the NLC, he remained committed to promoting decent work and social justice throughout his career.
“Domingo was a committed trade unionist whose dedication to Nigerian workers and the struggle for decent work took him to the global stage right to the end. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and worked alongside him,” the official added.
The NLC confirmed that its leadership had visited the hospital where his body is being kept and had begun arrangements for the repatriation of his remains. Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders and workers who remembered Adeleke for his contributions to labour relations and workers’ welfare.
The NLC extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and members of the labour movement, describing his death as a significant loss. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the NLC family, and all comrades across Lagos State. May his soul rest in peace, and may his commitment to workers’ rights continue to inspire us,” the Congress said.
Adeleke is remembered by colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM) as a dedicated labour activist who devoted much of his career to public service and the advancement of workers’ interests.
