The Nigerian Labour Movement has lost one of its foremost activists and socialists, Comrade (Pa) Oyekan Arije, who died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the age of 87.

Arije, who was active in the Labour movement from the 1960s, served as chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

His death was announced on Wednesday by Labour lawyer and activist, Femi Aborisade, with the consent and at the request of Arije’s biological children.

Aborisade, who recalled his encounter with the late Labour leader during his own early years in the labour movement, described Arije as a committed socialist who devoted his life to the struggle for justice and freedom for workers and other disadvantaged members of society.

According to him, Arije remained throughout his lifetime deeply committed to the struggles of the working class and the downtrodden against what he described as the economic and political shackles imposed by the capitalist ruling class.

He said the late labour leader consistently joined and led social forces in the pursuit of a new society that would serve the interests of the masses.
Aborisade said Arije’s contribution to the labour movement was formally recognised in 2004 when the two trade union centres, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), jointly celebrated May Day in Ondo State and conferred on him the award of “Pillar of Labour.”

He described Arije as a principled, courageous and outspoken trade union activist who remained committed to his ideals throughout his life.
Aborisade also remembered him as a mentor, pastor, community leader and defender of the weak, as well as a prominent figure in the Nigerian labour movement.

Beyond his trade union activities, Arije was the Patriarch of the Majuwa Ruling House and the wider Akenneyin Dynasty of Mahin Kingdom.

Aborisade expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, describing him as an “irrepressible, incorruptible” and uncompromising labour activist whose contributions would remain significant in the history of Nigeria’s labour movement.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of Arije and for strength for his family, colleagues and associates to bear the loss.