Comrade Aremson Remembered: Tributes flow for fearless Labour Icon

Femi Fabunmi 

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has paid glowing tribute to the late Comrade Abiodun “Aremson” Aremu, describing him as a steadfast and principled activist whose life remains worthy of emulation.

Falana spoke during the Day of Tribute held in Lagos in honour of Aremu — a veteran socialist, labour leader, and co-founder of the Joint Action Front (JAF) — who died on October 12, 2025, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria recalled Aremson’s lifelong commitment to justice, workers’ rights, and social transformation, noting that he was “a rare gem who always stood for what he believed was right.”

Falana also revealed that tributes had continued to pour in from members of a WhatsApp group they both belonged to, reflecting the immense respect and affection Aremu commanded among colleagues and comrades.

He urged activists across the country to honour Aremson’s memory by sustaining the movement he helped build and by continuing the struggle for equity, fairness, and justice in Nigeria.

Comrade Aremson, widely respected in progressive and labour circles, was known for his unwavering dedication to the cause of the working class and his role in mobilising citizens for social and political reform.

The event, attended by labour leaders, civil society members, and friends, celebrated his decades of activism and enduring legacy in the fight for a better Nigeria.

‘He Faced Teargas and Bullets Like Bread’ — NLC

The atmosphere was filled with emotion and reverence as tributes poured in from different segments of the labour and activist community.

A representative of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described Aremson as “fearless, brilliant, and unyielding.”

“Comrade Aremson faced teargas and bullets as if they were a loaf of bread,” he said, drawing murmurs of admiration from the audience.

“He was an organic intellectual — a man who not only understood the theory of struggle but lived it. The Nigerian masses and workers will remember him for generations.”

TUC’s Comrade N.A. Tori: ‘He Spoke Truth to Power’

Comrade N.A. Tori, the General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), described Aremson as a man whose life was defined by conviction and selflessness.

“He gave his all for social justice,” Tori said. “For him, the struggle was not a choice but a duty — one he carried out until his last breath. He spoke truth to power even when it was dangerous to do so. The nation has lost a soul, and even in death, he remains a towering figure of conscience.”

‘Continue the Struggle Until Victory’ — Cuban Security Movement

A representative of the Cuban Security Movement urged those present not to let Aremson’s sacrifices be in vain. “Comrade Aremson lived for victory, not surrender. We must continue the perpetual struggle until victory is achieved,” the speaker declared, prompting thunderous applause from the hall packed with comrades and students.

Revolutionary Poet AJ Daggar Pays Artistic Tribute

In a moment that blended art and activism, revolutionary poet AJ Daggar took the stage to honour the fallen hero through stirring verses that captured the fire and purpose of Aremson’s life. His poem painted the portrait of a man who stood unshaken in the face of injustice — a comrade who turned resistance into poetry and courage into legacy.
Joe Okei-Odumakin: ‘We Met in Ilorin During Our Student Days’

Renowned rights advocate Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin recalled her first encounter with Aremson during their student activism days in Ilorin.

“We met in Ilorin during our student days,” she said softly. “Aremson was deeply committed, full of energy, and unwavering in his belief in a better Nigeria.

He stood for the voiceless, fought for justice, and lived for the truth. I pray for his peaceful rest.”

ASUU President: ‘We Spoke Just Two Weeks Ago’

Adding to the stream of tributes, Professor Chris Piwuna, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), shared an emotional story about his last conversation with the late activist.

“We spoke just two weeks before his passing,” he revealed. “He was concerned about the plight of Nigerian lecturers and promised to stand with ASUU in our ongoing struggle for better education. His death is a great loss to the entire movement.”

‘His Legacy Will Stand the Test of Time’ — Wuraola Aremu

Bringing the evening to a touching close, Wuraola Aremu, the daughter of the late comrade, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks.

“My father’s legacy and everything he stood for will continue to stand the test of time,” she said, her voice steady despite the emotion in the hall. “He lived for humanity, for fairness, and for justice. Though he is gone, his light will never fade.”

As candles flickered and the hall echoed with solidarity songs, it became clear that Comrade Abiodun “Aremson” Aremu had not just lived a life of activism but had become an institution of courage and conscience.

His memory now fuels the continuing struggle a reminder that true revolutionaries never truly die; they live on in the battles they inspired.