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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of prominent labour activist and Secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF), Abiodun Aremu, describing it as a significant loss to the labour movement and the global human rights community.
In a condolence message on Monday, October 13, Adams extended his sympathies to Aremu’s family, colleagues in the labour movement, and friends.
He prayed for comfort during this period of mourning and called for the immediate investigation of the circumstances surrounding Aremu’s death.
Aremu, who was also a leader of the Amílcar Cabral Ideological School Movement (ACIS-M), a leftist organisation that recently opened its Nigerian secretariat, reportedly died after being struck by a vehicle in a suspected hit-and-run incident around 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 12.
Describing the nature of Aremu’s death as “suspicious”, Adams urged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a thorough investigation into the incident.
He emphasised the need to identify those responsible and uncover any possible motives behind the alleged accident.
“Aremu’s death must not be swept under the carpet. He was a fearless human rights crusader who stood firmly for his beliefs, even in the face of intense pressure,” Adams said.
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The Yoruba leader also paid tribute to Aremu’s legacy as a student union leader and activist.
According to Adams, Aremu played a pivotal role in several pro-democracy movements, including the Campaign for Democracy and the Oodua Youth Movement.
He was also a key figure in the June 12 struggle against the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
Adams recalled that Aremu was one of the activists who mentored him in the early days of his involvement in the Yoruba self-determination movement.
He called on the labour and human rights communities to honour Aremu’s memory by immortalising his contributions to the fight for democracy, justice, and social equity in Nigeria.
“His death is a painful reminder of the dangers activists still face in our society. We must not forget his sacrifices,” Adams said.
