The late Abiodun Aremu, a prominent Socialist Democrat and advocate for workers’ rights, made headlines with his powerful words just days before his passing. His critique of former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, resonated widely after news of his death broke late last night.
On October 5, 2025, Aremu took to social media to issue a stark warning to Oshiomhole, denouncing what he termed the senator’s double standards and betrayal of the labour movement’s principles. In a statement titled, “Senator Oshiomhole Be Warned Before I Comrade Abiodun Aremu, Will Invoke The Eternal Spirit Of Comrades Mao Imoudu & Wahab Omorilewa Goodluck To Descend On You For Your Treachery AND Double Speak On The Nigerian Labour Movement,” Aremu made his stance clear:
“Senator Oshiomhole should be reminded that Comrade President Abdulwaheed Omar, NLC President in 2011, is still living, along with Comrade Dipo Fashina and Comrade Joe Ajaero, among others. My memory and sense of history are alive, and I will not forget your dealings with the exploitative class in Nigeria.”
Aremu reflected on a pivotal moment during the December 16, 2011 Delegates Conference of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), where Oshiomhole, then Governor of Edo State, delivered a controversial keynote speech. Aremu described the atmosphere as tense, with workers frustrated by Oshiomhole’s remarks, which he believed contradicted the NLC’s stance on deregulation and privatization.
After receiving consent from Comrade Jingo to speak, Aremu addressed the crowd passionately, rallying them with chants of solidarity. He confronted Oshiomhole directly, stating:
“Comrade Adams, we made you; our struggle made you. If your interest is to profit from state funds and sell public assets to yourself, we will fight you.”
He expressed that Oshiomhole remained seated, unusually quiet in the face of criticism, before ultimately leaving the hall without his usual fanfare.
Aremu concluded his statement with a nod to the memory of his late comrade Laitan Oyerinde, emphasizing his commitment to class struggle on behalf of the workers and the oppressed, asserting:
“Let Senator Oshiomhole keep quiet whenever it’s me. I don’t go out of my way to quarrel with anybody! Class struggle on the side of the workers and oppressed poor defines my battle lines!”
In his passing, Aremu’s words continue to resonate, sparking discussions about integrity and accountability within the labor movement.
