The family and children of the late elder statesman and activist, Edwin Clark, have distanced themselves from a planned tribute and prayer ceremony to be held in Lagos State on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The family and children said they did not unauthorize it and that it was deeply disrespectful.
In a statement jointly signed by College Clark on behalf of the family and Penawe Clark, who represented the children, the family, who were shocked to learn of the event, said it was organized without their knowledge or consent.
The family also urged notable personalities that were invited to the event, including former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku; and Acting Leader of Afenifere, Oladipo Olaitan, to distance themselves from the tribute.
“We, the family and children of the late Chief Sen. Edwin Clark, were never consulted or informed about this so-called tribute and prayer event.
“The most alarming part is the use of names of respected associates of our father in what appears to be an illegitimate gathering,” the statement read in part.
The family also said that a certain “Dr. Bisola”, the organiser, had long been separated from the late Clark and had no authority or familiar connection to host any commemorative activities in his name.
The family also said that if the event was genuine, it would not have been planned in secrecy.
They warned, “Our father made it unequivocally clear before his passing that he had no further relationship with Dr. Bisola and warned the entire family not to associate with her.
“If this event were genuinely to honour our father, it would not have been planned in secrecy or without the involvement of those closest to him.”
The family and children, who reiterated that official funeral activities had already been announced through proper channels, therefore appealled to every Nigerian to stay away from the event.