The Toyin Falola Interviews: A Conversation with Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, OON
Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu (OON) is a renowned Nigerian trade unionist with over six decades of service to the labour movement at national, continental, and international levels. Born on 7 January 1941 in Osogbo, Osun State, he was trained as a civil engineer at Yaba Technical Institute (now Yaba College of Technology), later earning a postgraduate diploma in Highway Engineering from Turin, Italy.
He began his professional career at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, contributing to major projects such as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos. His leadership qualities were evident early through active student unionism and later through prominent roles in trade unions. In 1978, he became the founding President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), serving two terms until 1984, during which he strengthened workers' rights, secured the declaration of May Day as a public holiday, and championed the National Minimum Wage.
At the continental level, Comrade Sunmonu served as Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) from 1986 to 2012, where he was re-elected a record six times. He played a key role in opposing IMF/World Bank Structural Adjustment Programmes, advocating African economic integration, and establishing the Kwame Nkrumah Africa Labour College. He also represented African labour at major international platforms including the ILO and the African Union.
His contributions have earned him numerous honours, including Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), international knighthood, and multiple honorary doctorates. He is a polyglot, respected advisor, and widely regarded as one of Africa's most influential labour leaders.
Please join us for a Conversation with Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, OON, Former General Secretary of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
5 PM Nigeria
4 PM Ghana
10 AM Austin
6 PM South Africa
Register Here:
Join Zoom Meeting:
Adebayo Ajadi
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