Nigeria’s labour movement has been thrown into mourning following the death of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, a member of the country’s delegation to the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Adeleke, who served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), reportedly died on Tuesday after suffering a brief illness while attending the conference.
He had travelled to Switzerland as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering of governments, employers and workers’ representatives but was said to have fallen ill and was taken for medical treatment, where he later passed away.
Confirming the development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described him as a dedicated trade unionist who devoted his career to advancing workers’ welfare and the pursuit of decent work.
In a statement, the Congress expressed deep sorrow over his death, noting that Adeleke remained committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers until his final days.
A member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Adeleke played an active role in labour advocacy through his leadership of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council and was widely recognised for championing workers’ interests and social justice.
The NLC disclosed that its leadership visited the hospital where his body is being kept and has begun arrangements for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria.
His death has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing International Labour Conference, a global forum where labour-related policies and employment issues are discussed.
Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders and colleagues, who remembered him as a committed activist and public servant whose contributions to the labour movement will be greatly missed.
The Congress extended its condolences to his family, associates and the wider labour community, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and urging workers to uphold the ideals he stood for throughout his career.