Kaduna state governor, Senator Uba Sani, has pledged full support to the family of the late human rights activist, Comrade Abiodun Aremu, who recently died in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Ogun state.
Speaking through former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, who represented him at the burial ceremony held on Thursday in Sango-Ota, Ogun state, the governor described the late activist as a courageous fighter who dedicated his life to the struggle for democracy, justice, and human rights in Nigeria.
Governor Sani extolled Comrade Aremu’s steadfastness during the dark years of military dictatorship, noting that his sacrifices and resilience contributed immensely to the democratic freedom Nigerians enjoy today.
“Comrade Aremu was a man of conviction and courage who stood on the side of truth, even in the face of intimidation and persecution. His contributions to the pro-democracy struggle will never be forgotten,” he said.
He advised the younger generation to emulate Comrade Aremu’s passion for justice, courage in the face of adversity, and unwavering commitment to the enthronement of true democracy in Nigeria.
The burial ceremony attracted a large turnout of prominent activists and civil society leaders from across the country, including Chief Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as veteran student leaders such as Segun Maiyegun.
In his tribute, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) described the deceased as “one of Nigeria’s most consistent and principled activists,” recalling how he was imprisoned during the pro-democracy struggle and led campaigns for the release of detained rights icons such as Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti.
Other speakers reflected on shared moments from the 1990s struggles, recalling how Uba Sani, then an activist himself, coordinated the activities of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and worked closely with Comrade Aremu and other movement leaders in the fight against military rule.
They also commended the Kaduna governor for standing by the family of his late comrade, describing the gesture as a demonstration of genuine solidarity and enduring commitment to the ideals of social justice.
Late Aremu, was the Secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF) — the umbrella body for pro-labour civil society organisations — reportedly died on October 12 after being knocked down by a vehicle near his residence in Ota, Ogun state.
He was 65 years old.
