Just In: Former Labour Leader Arije is Dead, “Rare Gem,” Photo Emerges

• Activist lawyer Femi Aborisade introduced Comrade Oyekan Arije’s dying on behalf of the household on Wednesday, August 19, 2026
• Arije had been a distinguished determine in Nigeria’s labour motion because the Nineteen Sixties, serving as NLC chairman from the late Seventies
• The Ondo state governor, Fortunate Aiyedatiwa, praised the late Arije as ‘a fearless voice for the rights and welfare of Nigerian staff’

Akure, Ondo state – A former chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyekan Arije, died within the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, 2026, on the age of 87.

Activist lawyer Femi Aborisade broke the information in an announcement issued on behalf of the household the next day, Wednesday, August 19.

Arije had devoted greater than six many years to Nigeria’s labour motion, first turning into energetic within the Nineteen Sixties earlier than rising to guide the NLC as its chairman from the late Seventies into the early Eighties.

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In his assertion, Aborisade paid tribute to the late labour icon, saying:

“With the consent and on the request of the organic kids, I announce, with profound unhappiness, the transition to eternity of COMRADE (PA) OYEKAN ARIJE, a foremost Labour Leader and Socialist, who handed on within the early hours of Tuesday, 18 August 2026, on the age of 87.

“The lifetime of Comrade Oyekan Arije was outlined by a dedication and passionate identification with the struggles of the working class and the downtrodden for justice and freedom from the financial and political shackles of the capitalist ruling class.”

Ondo governor mourns Arije

Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was among the many first public figures to answer the information, posting a tribute on X (previously Twitter) by which he described Arije as a uncommon voice of conscience in Nigeria’s public life.

“I acquired with deep sorrow the information of the passing of a revered elder statesman and former Labour chief, Chief Oyekan Arije,” Aiyedatiwa wrote.

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The governor said that Arije’s braveness and conviction had earned him respect throughout political and ideological divides, including:

“As a labour chief, he was a fearless voice for the rights and welfare of Nigerian staff. He stood agency in defence of justice, equity, and human dignity at a time when it mattered most.”

Aiyedatiwa prolonged condolences to the Arije household, the broader labour motion, and admirers of the late chief throughout Nigeria, describing him as “a person who fought not for himself, however for the plenty.”

“Ondo state and Nigeria have misplaced a uncommon gem,” the governor concluded. “His legacy of selfless service and advocacy will proceed to encourage current and future generations.”

Learn Governor Aiyedatiwa’s full assertion on Arije’s dying beneath, via X:

Learn extra on NLC

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NLC’s protest grounds Air Peace flight

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the NLC brought operations at a Lagos airport terminal to a halt, leaving passengers booked on an early morning Air Peace flight unable to journey as scheduled.

The Zulu terminal gate was locked shut from round 5 am, blocking entry and stopping the Air Peace flight, which had a 6:30 am departure, from taking off.

Supply: Legit.ng