The grim reaper strikes again. This time, it strikes the community responsible for upholding the rights of the people, particularly the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged in Nigeria. It took one of its leaders, Abiodun Aremu Aremson, the man who lived his entire life for the service of humanity.
Abiodun Aremu, aka ‘Aremson,’ has died. The Ogun-born activist and founder of the Amilcar Cabral Institute of Ideological Studies (ACIS) has taken his final bow. The well-known Nigerian labor leader and activist who dedicated his life to fighting for workers‘ rights and social justice has hanged his ‘voice’.
Aremson’s passing is a big and tragic loss. He was the secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF), a coalition of pro-labor civil society organizations. He was described by many as a man with a heart of service and solidarity.
He believes so much in the working class and always canvasses that every hardworking person, regardless of the job, deserves good food, good water, and good shelter.
For Aremson, the working class deserves the same or better treatment as the political or ruling class. He was always ready to protest for better welfare conditions for workers and living conditions for Nigerians.
He understood what social grouping was all about. He believes that people or workers must learn how to associate to advance for their rights and privileges. He was no doubt a comrade of the working class.
The passing of Aremu was sudden, unexpected, and shocking. He was a passionate, courageous, brave, and conscience-driven individual. His contributions to Nigeria’s activism are so weighty that they cannot be undermined.
He was a father to many and a leader of all. His campaigns towards the protection of workers’ rights, sustainability of democracy, and promotion of social justice are undisputedly a testament to his unwavering dedication to the labor movement and social activism.
Owei Lakemfa, an author and a promoter of social justice, in his tribute described Abiodun Aremu’s passing as a “huge loss to the labor movement.” He portrayed Aremu as one of the greatest revolutionaries and internationalists of our time whose contributions to workers’ rights, democracy, and social justice in Nigeria would never be forgotten.
He emphasized that the greatest honor that can be given to Aremu’s memory is to continue in his footsteps and build a world founded on social justice. He highlighted Aremu’s dedication to the labor movement, noting his role in developing structures for collaboration and development, such as the Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) and the Kolagbodi Memorial Foundation.
Aremu’s activism was deeply rooted in his commitment to the working class and the oppressed. He founded the Amilcar Cabral Institute of Ideological Studies (ACIS), which aimed to equip a new generation of revolutionaries with the principles of scientific socialism and internationalist solidarity.
He was a key architect of the Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO). He played a crucial role in forging unity between the organized working class and the broader popular masses. He was the Secretary of Joint Action Front (JAF). He was a member of the Nigeria Movement for the Liberation of Western Sahara. He was a member of the Nigerian Movement of Solidarity with Cuba. His internationalist approach to activism was evident in his support for various global causes.
Abiodun Aremu died in a hit-and-run accident on October 12, 2025, in Ota, Ogun State. Many people, including important groups such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Family, friends, and associates have confirmed that he will be buried on October 23, 2025.
His contributions as a champion of workers’ rights, true democracy, and social justice continue to inspire others, making him a worthy role model for many. Rest in power, Cadre Abiodun Aremu Aremson—champion of the poor and working class.