Veteran labour leader Pastor Oyekan Arije, has passed on.
Aged 87, he died on Tuesday morning according to his family.
A statement on behalf of his family by Prince Babatunde Arije said, “With total submission to the will of Almighty God, the family of Pa Oyekan Arije announces his passing in the early hours of Tuesday, 18th August 2026, at the age of 87 years.
“Pa Oyekan Arije was a respected *pastor, politician, community leader and foremost labour leader in Ilaje, Ondo State, whose life was devoted to the service of God, his community and humanity. He lived a life of impact, touching many lives across generations through his faith, leadership and commitment to the advancement of his people.
“While we mourn the departure of our beloved father and patriarch, we are comforted by the legacy of service, faith and leadership that he leaves behind.
“The family appreciates the prayers, calls and expressions of love at this solemn time.
“Burial arrangements will be announced by the family in due course*.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Also a statement on behalf of he Akenneyin Royal Dynasty by Omo’ba Oluwagheyinmi Omowole, the
Family Secretary, said “It is with deep sadness that the Akenneyin Royal Dynasty of Mahin Land announces the transition to glory of our beloved patriarch, *Pastor Oyekan Arije*, who passed on this morning, *Tuesday, 18th August 2026*, at the age of *87*.
“Baba Arije was the revered *Olori-Ebi of Majuwa Ruling House*. He was a man of faith, wisdom, and royalty. As a pastor and elder, he lived a life of service to God and to his people. He provided guidance, unity, and fatherly counsel to the Majuwa Ruling House and the entire Akenneyin Dynasty.
“His death is a great loss to Mahin Land. His legacy of integrity, spirituality, and commitment to the values of our tradition will be greatly missed.
“The burial arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
“We pray that the Almighty God grants the Majuwa Ruling House, the Akenneyin Royal Dynasty, and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Arije was the pioneer chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ondo State.
A highly respected trade union leader, he fought for workers’ rights and later led labour veteran groups in the state.
Arije served as a Senior Special Assistant on Due Process to former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko. He chaired the inquiry committee on the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic student protest in 2018.
An outspoken voice on regional governance and chieftaincy matters in Ondo State, he also served as the head of the Mahin Central Organisation in Ilaje Local Government Area.
As an author, he published books on industrial relations, social justice, and his autobiography titled “Footprints of a Selfless Servant”.
His published works include “Echoes of Liberation.”
