The Nigerian delegation to the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of Domingo Adeleke, a leading figure in Nigeria’s trade union movement.
Adeleke, who served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), passed away on Monday after a brief illness while attending the conference as part of Nigeria’s workers’ delegation. He fell ill during the event and was rushed to a hospital in Annemasse, France, where he later died.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed the loss, describing Adeleke as a “dedicated trade unionist” whose unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, social justice, and decent work earned him respect both locally and internationally.
“Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke remained steadfast in advancing workers’ rights and industrial harmony until the very end,” an NLC official said. “His passing is a painful loss to the labour movement and all Nigerian workers.”
Adeleke also served with distinction in the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) and led the Lagos State JNC, earning admiration for his advocacy for social dialogue and protection of workers’ rights.
Following his death, NLC leaders visited his body at the hospital in Annemasse, paying respects and initiating arrangements for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria. The congress emphasized that Adeleke’s passing casts a profound shadow over Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing ILC, which gathers governments, employers, and workers’ representatives from around the world.
Tributes have poured in from labour leaders, colleagues, and workers, remembering Adeleke as a courageous advocate for Nigerian workers and a tireless champion of decent work and industrial harmony. The NLC extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and the broader labour movement.
