For me personally, the death of Comrade Ayodele Akele has sent shock waves through the socio-political and trade unionism landscapes of Nigeria.
I found it painful to recall that I have known him since 1973 when he was Secretary General of Bereck Nigeria Limited Workers’ Union and subsequently into active politics.
He wielded spectacular ingenuity in all the positions he ever occupied and not without leaving behind legacies of integrity, patriotism, fight against social and class imbalance as well as advocacy for good governance, justice, fairness and accountability in the body politic. Truly he was no mere mortal and Nigeria will miss his doggedness in the protection of human rights.
While I commiserate with the entire Akele’s family, it is necessary to unpack the lessons his life and death offer both governance and trade unionism in Nigeria and this calls for sober introspection.
The death of former Lagos Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and General Secretary of National Conscience Party (NCP) has created an indelible sore in the hearts of many of us who are his political associates, stakeholders in trade union movements, protégés, mentees, family members and all his well-wishers.
May God console the families he left behind and give them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Comrade Ayodele Akele has done his duty to his people and his country, Nigeria. May his precious soul continue to rest in peace and may the Almighty God grant him eternal rest.
Adieu, our dear Comrade.
Hon Joseph Akinlaja is Zenith Labour Party Chairman in Ondo State; former General Secretary of NUPENG, former Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress and currently Life Patron and Technical Consultant to PTD Branch of NUPENG.
