The Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Michael Adeleke, has been reported dead while attending the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
As gathered, Adeleke, who was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 114th Session of the ILC, was said to have fell ill and was taken for medical attention at a facility in Geneva.
While other members of the delegation were waiting for Adeleke, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Lagos chapter, return, the medical experts at the facility pronounced him dead.
On Tuesday, it was learnt that the development has thrown every member of the delegation and Civil servants in Lagos into mourning of the former labour leader.
The development was confirmed by a statement released the NLC and Ogun chapter of the NCSU, on Tuesday.
The members described him as a committed trade unionist dedicated to the welfare of workers.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the entire trade union movement in Nigeria, especially the 2026 Workers’ Delegates to the International Labour Conference, announce the passing of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, who died today in Geneva after a brief illness while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference,” the official said.
According to the NLC, he remained committed to the promotion of decent work and social justice throughout his career.
“Comrade Domingo was a committed trade unionist whose dedication to Nigerian workers and the struggle for decent work took him to the global stage right to the end.
“His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and worked alongside him,” the official added.
The NLC said its leadership had visited the hospital where his body is being kept and had begun arrangements for the repatriation of his remains.
“The NLC leadership earlier today went to the hospital to see his body in solidarity, mourn his passing, and begin the process of arranging the necessary procedures,” the official said.
His death has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing International Labour Conference, which brings together governments, employers and workers’ representatives from around the world to discuss labour and employment issues.
Tributes have continued to come from labour leaders and workers who remembered Adeleke for his contributions to labour relations and workers’ welfare.
The NLC extended condolences to his family, colleagues and members of the labour movement, describing his death as a significant loss.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the NLC family and all comrades across Lagos State. May his soul rest in peace, and may his commitment to workers’ rights continue to inspire us,” the Congress said.
Adeleke is remembered by colleagues as a dedicated labour activist who devoted much of his career to public service and the advancement of workers’ interests.