Former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman Oyekan Arije died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the age of 87. Activist lawyer Femi Aborisade announced the death on Wednesday, August 19, in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
Arije's Six-Decade Labour Movement Career
Arije had been a prominent figure in Nigeria's labour movement since the 1960s, dedicating more than six decades to the cause. He rose to lead the NLC as its chairman from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, becoming a defining voice for workers' rights during a critical period in Nigeria's post-independence history.
In his statement, Aborisade paid tribute to the late labour icon, saying: "With the consent and at the request of the biological children, I announce, with profound sadness, the transition to eternity of COMRADE (PA) OYEKAN ARIJE, a foremost Labour Leader and Socialist, who passed on in the early hours of Tuesday, 18 August 2026, at the age of 87."
Aborisade further noted that "the life of Comrade Oyekan Arije was defined by a commitment and passionate identification with the struggles of the working class and the downtrodden for justice and freedom from the economic and political shackles of the capitalist ruling class."
Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Mourns Arije
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was among the first public figures to respond to the news, posting a tribute on X in which he described Arije as a rare voice of conscience in Nigeria's public life. "I received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of a revered elder statesman and former Labour leader, Chief Oyekan Arije," Aiyedatiwa wrote.
The governor said Arije's courage and conviction had earned him respect across political and ideological divides. "As a labour leader, he was a fearless voice for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. He stood firm in defence of justice, fairness, and human dignity at a time when it mattered most," Aiyedatiwa added.
Aiyedatiwa extended condolences to the Arije family, the broader labour movement, and admirers of the late leader across Nigeria, describing him as "a man who fought not for himself, but for the masses."
Legacy and Impact of the Late Labour Leader
"Ondo State and Nigeria have lost a rare gem," the governor concluded in his tribute. "His legacy of selfless service and advocacy will continue to inspire present and future generations."
Arije's death marks the end of an era in Nigeria's labour movement, where he had been active since the 1960s. His leadership of the NLC from the late 1970s into the early 1980s placed him at the centre of key labour struggles during a period of significant political and economic change in the country. The family announced the death through Aborisade, who served as the family's spokesperson for the announcement.
