GENEVA, Switzerland — Domingo Michael Adeleke, a Nigerian labour leader attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference, died on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Geneva.
According to reports, Mr Adeleke fell ill during the gathering, casting a shadow over Nigeria’s participation in one of the world’s foremost forums on workers’ rights.
Adeleke, who served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council and was a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, was part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the conference when he reportedly became unwell and was taken for medical attention. He subsequently died.
His passing was confirmed by an official of the Nigeria Labour Congress, who described him as a figure of deep commitment to the labour movement.
“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.
The NLC said its leadership had visited the hospital where Adeleke’s body is being held and had begun making arrangements for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria.
“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 added.
Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders and workers who knew Adeleke through his years of advocacy on behalf of Nigerian workers. The NLC described his death as a significant loss to the movement he served 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 Congress said.
In extending condolences to his family and colleagues, the NLC said: “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 International Labour Conference, held annually in Geneva, brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from member states to deliberate on global labour standards and employment policy.
