Departed Ondo State Labour Leader, Comrade Oyekan Arije
Exemplary Nigeria Labour Congress leader in Ondo State, the departed Comrade Oyekan Arije, will be buried on December 11, 2026 in his Mahin, Ilaje Local Government Area countryhome.
His family announced this date as the climax of his burial ceremonies holding between December 8 and 11 across Akure, Igbokoda and Mahin in Ondo State.
While announcing the burial programme, the family also warned individuals and groups against impersonating the officially constituted Central Planning Committee or making unauthorised arrangements and representations concerning the funeral.
The Ondo State Chairman of Egbe Omo Ilaje, Prof. Adeoye Raphael Aworetan, who spoke on behalf of the Central Planning Committee announced the burial programme at a press briefing on the burial preparations.
He described Pastor Arije, who died on August 18, 2026, at the age of 87, as an illustrious son of Ilaje, a distinguished labour leader, committed Christian, community leader and advocate of social justice.
According to the committee, his contributions to organised labour, politics, public service, Christianity, traditional institutions and community development earned him recognition beyond his immediate family and Ilaje land.
The statement disclosed that the Central Planning Committee was constituted by the deceased’s children and family in collaboration with the national leadership of Egbe Omo Ilaje, the organised labour movement, the Akenneyin Royal Dynasty and Christ Apostolic Church, Pillar of Fire.
The committee includes Pastor Adeyemi Arije and Pastor Tunde Omomofe, representing the children and family; Prof. Aworetan, representing Egbe Omo Ilaje; High Chief Lennard Oluyoye Ifayemi, representing the Akenneyin Royal Dynasty; Comrade Ademola Olapade, Ondo State NLC Chairman, representing organised labour; and Pastor Akano, representing Christ Apostolic Church, Pillar of Fire.
Aworetan stressed that the committee remained the only officially recognised and authorised body responsible for planning, coordinating and supervising all activities relating to the funeral.
He said no other committee, association, group or individual had been authorised by the principal stakeholders to independently assume responsibilities concerning the burial.
He therefore urged the Federal Government, Ondo State Government, Ilaje Local Government authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies, corporate organisations, religious bodies and members of the public to channel all official correspondence, requests for support and enquiries through the recognised committee.
The statement added that the clarification was intended to prevent conflicting information, unauthorised representation and possible misrepresentation, while ensuring accountability and proper coordination of the funeral arrangements.
Giving details of the four-day programme, the committee said activities would begin on Tuesday, December 8, with a Memorial Labour Symposium at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oda Road, Akure, at 11:00 a.m.
The symposium, themed, “The Labour Movement, Social Justice and the Defence of Workers’ Rights in Nigeria: Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Pastor Oyekan Arije,” will be chaired by former NLC President, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, while renowned labour lawyer and activist, Comrade Femi Aborisade, will deliver the keynote address.
The gathering is expected to attract veteran and serving labour leaders, trade unionists, scholars, activists, government representatives and other stakeholders to reflect on the deceased’s contributions to workers’ welfare, social justice and democratic development.
On Wednesday, December 9, a Memorial Wake-Keep and Service of Songs will hold at The Dome Event Centre, Alagbaka, Akure. Reception of guests will begin at 4:00 p.m., while the formal service is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
The third day, Thursday, December 10, will feature lying-in-state ceremonies at the deceased’s Akure residence between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., followed by another at the NLC Secretariat, Alagbaka, Akure, between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon.
Thereafter, the funeral procession will move towards Ilaje land, with a brief lying-in-state at the Ilaje Civic Centre, Igbokoda, to enable traditional rulers, community leaders, members of Egbe Omo Ilaje and other well-wishers to pay their last respects.
The remains will subsequently be conveyed to Mahin, the ancestral home of the deceased, where the final Wake-Keep and Service of Songs will hold at The Royal Palace, Ode Mahin, at 5:00 p.m.
The final day, Friday, December 11, will begin with the arrival and seating of guests at 9:00 a.m., followed by an interdenominational funeral and thanksgiving service at 10:00 a.m. in Mahin.
The committee explained that the interment would be conducted privately by the children and designated family members, appealing to members of the public to respect the family’s decision to reserve the burial for close relatives.
A grand reception and celebration of life will thereafter take place at Mahin Grammar School Open Field, Mahin, from 1:00 p.m., featuring cultural and musical performances, goodwill messages, tributes and thanksgiving.
On the state of preparedness, Aworetan assured that the committee was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful and befitting funeral.
He said arrangements were being made in the areas of security, transportation, hospitality, venue preparation, protocol, publicity and the welfare of invited guests.
He added that consultations were ongoing with the family, organised labour, traditional institutions, religious organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that the ceremonies were conducted in an atmosphere of dignity, unity and orderliness.
The committee also appealed to the people of Ondo State, particularly the Ilaje nation, to demonstrate unity, cooperation and hospitality throughout the funeral activities.
It expressed appreciation to the deceased’s children and extended family, the Akenneyin Royal Dynasty, Egbe Omo Ilaje, the NLC, Christ Apostolic Church, Pillar of Fire, and other friends and associates for their support.
The committee described the burial as an opportunity to celebrate a man whose life was devoted to God, workers’ rights, community development and the pursuit of justice, noting that his legacy of courage, faith and selfless service would remain an inspiration to generations.
