- Tinubu, Obasanjo, Buhari, Atiku, Governors, Obi, Afenifere, Ijaw indigenes, others mourn
- Say he was a fearless advocate against injustice
It was torrent of tributes for former Federal Commissioner for Information and elder statesman, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed on at the age of 97.
A statement issued by the family disclosed that the Pan Niger Delta Forum leader died on Monday night.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February, 2025. The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark’s passing happened a few days after another nationalist, Ayo Adebanjo died at 96 on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Clark was a prominent Ijaw leader, a distinguished lawyer, activist, and politician. He was a formidable voice for the South-South region and the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
He founded PANDEF and co-led the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, advocating justice, equality, and human rights.
Clark was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
The deceased was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the passing of Clark and extended condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.
Describing his passing as a deeply sobering loss, President Tinubu reflected on the life of the late statesman, saying the PANDEF leader was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.
He stated that Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.
“Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.
“History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.
“I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability,” the President said.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by the loss.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum joined Tinubu and every stakeholder in the Nigerian project to mourn the passing of Clark.
A statement issued by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said the governors recalled that Clark played critical roles in the evolution of the country’s democracy, constitutional development, and the discourse around its federal system vis-a-vis topical issues of resource control and the rights of ethnic minorities.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said the tragic news of the death of Clark is heart-wrenching, given the impact of such a loss.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our beloved father and leader, Chief Edwin Clark. Despite his age, he remained active, serving as a beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government.
“He kept in touch with national issues and did not cease from providing elderly counsel to leaders at various levels, in pursuit of responsible and responsive leadership in Nigeria.”
Fubara noted that Clark, as a courageous Ijaw leader, nationalist, and freedom fighter, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the unity of Nigeria, and boldly defended the rights of minorities, especially Niger Deltans.
“He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (MBLF) and as leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). I pray the Almighty God grants the repose of his soul and rewards his courageous services to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.”
Fubara also consoled the family, saying, “As you navigate this dark period, remember that you are not alone. May the Almighty God grant you the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss.”
Fubara also extended condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town in Delta State.
For former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, the death of the South-South nonagenarian signalled the declining ranks of the nation’s patriotic leaders, particularly at this crucial stage in the country’s history, when their wise counsel and vast experience are greatly needed.
Obasanjo lamented that Clark’s death was particularly unfortunate, coming just four days after the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the foremost Yoruba leader and Chairman of Afenifere.
He described the late former Federal Commissioner as “a great brother and friend, a distinguished lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader.”
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo noted that, over the years, Clark had demonstrated unwavering love for his people and remained one of the most articulate and vocal advocates for improved conditions in the oil-producing states of the country.
“I received yet another shocking and saddening piece of news—the passing of a great brother and friend, Chief Edwin Clark. It was particularly distressing because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious Nigerian, only four days ago.
“Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership are rapidly dwindling with the loss of dedicated and resourceful figures who have served Nigeria in various capacities. This comes at a time when their wise counsel and vast experience are most needed.
“There is no denying that Chief Clark rendered outstanding service to the nation, serving as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State from 1968 to 1974. His role as the official spokesperson of the Federal Government in 1975 also remains significant. I remember him as a close colleague in General Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet. As a Senator representing the Delta Senatorial Zone in 1983, he was at the forefront of the fight for minority rights.”
Speaking further, Obasanjo noted that the late Niger Delta leader was deeply committed to his people throughout his lifetime.
“Chief Clark was a tireless advocate for the oil-producing states of Nigeria. As a foremost leader not just of the Ijaw people but of the entire South-South region, he continuously urged his people to prioritise peace and stability.
“He distinguished himself as a peace-loving, humble, and devoted patriot. A staunch believer in democracy and participatory governance, he built an impressive reputation of goodwill and affection among his people, both as a frontline politician and a community leader.
“Despite his active involvement in the national discourse, he remained non-partisan in his views and was a truly detribalised Nigerian, with friends from all regions of the country. Even in his later years, Chief Clark continued to contribute to national development as a committed nationalist.
“In 2021, he volunteered to be part of the Committee for the Goodness of Nigeria (CGN), which I convened alongside His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar. The committee was established to address pressing national issues, including unity, security, peace, economic revitalisation, and the welfare of women and youth,” he stated.
Obasanjo added that Clark remained relentless in his contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development.
“For as long as I knew him, Chief Clark never wavered in his courage and commitment to progressive ideals. His contributions to national discourse were always marked by wisdom and integrity. There is no doubt that his passing has left a significant void — not just in his family and the Niger Delta region but across the nation — at a time when his experience, wisdom, and counsel were still invaluable.
“Nonetheless, we thank God that Chief Clark lived a long, impactful, and God-fearing life, dedicated to the service of Nigeria and its people. He left behind the virtues of hard work and transparency in public service, important lessons for both present and future generations.
“We should take solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation, touched the hearts of his community, and is mourned by all. We pray that the Good Lord grants his soul eternal rest and grants the Clark family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the former president concluded.
The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, said it received the passing of Clark with great shock.
Reacting, Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere said that the Ijaw leader was passionate about Nigeria, just like the late Afenifere chieftain, Adebanjo.
“We received the news of the demise of Pa Edwin Clark with shock the same way we received the news of the demise of our leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,
“Clark was very deep, and, of course, very fearless. He was a patriot par excellence. Nigeria meant so much to him.
“The issues that have to do with the people were of great concern to him. He will be greatly missed because he was a strong, influential voice” Ajayi said.
Ajayi, who conveyed the condolences of Afenifere Leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said Clark would forever be remembered for his contributions to the country.
“Pa Edwin Clark was an active player in the Nigerian political scene, even when he was very old he was still very active
“He (Clark) never shied away from commenting or expressing his opinion on any issue of national importance.
“So, we, in Afenifere, will also miss him, just like we know that other people in the South-South, in particular, in Nigeria, as a whole, will miss him,” Afenifere spokesman said.
Similarly, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, and former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro have paid a condolence visit to the residence of the Late Clark in Abuja.
Moments after, former IGP Okiro arrived and signed the condolence register where he wrote, “We lost a father, we lost a gem. May your soul rest in peace”.
Other notable Nigerians who have visited the residence include a Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Seriake Dickson, a former Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator James Manager, and a former Kaduna State Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Jonathan Asake.
Others are former Head of the Civil Service, Prof Oladapo Afolabi; Head of Store Management, Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Ambassador Kem Ajieh; President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Pogu Bitrus; Mrs Regina Omo-Agege, among others.
Former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the elder statesman.
In a statement issued by the Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described Clark as a patriot and a towering figure in Nigerian history.
“Pa Clark was a great statesman whose contributions to the development of our nation were immeasurable.
“His service to Nigeria spanned decades, from his early career in public service to his unwavering commitment to national unity and development,” Fayemi stated.
The statement continued, “It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and a true statesman.
“Pa Clark’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service, courage, and commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria will endure forever.
“Pa Clark was not just a leader; he was a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria as a former senator, minister, and elder statesman. In all of these roles, he played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s political and socio-economic fabric.”
The statement further highlighted his contributions to governance: “His tenure as Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture during the military era showcased his dedication to national unity and his ability to navigate complex challenges with wisdom and integrity.”
Recognising his advocacy for justice and equity, Fayemi stated, “Pa Clark was a vocal advocate for justice, equity, and fairness. In particular, he was a fearless voice for the Niger Delta and a staunch defender of the rights of marginalised communities.
“His contributions to the struggle for resource control and environmental justice remain indelible, and his leadership in the Niger Delta struggle will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Fayemi also noted the recent passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a longtime associate of Clark, “It is also noteworthy that Pa Clark passed away just days after the death of his longtime friend, political associate, and ideological companion, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. Their lives were deeply intertwined by a shared commitment to justice, equity, and the advancement of true federalism in Nigeria. Their passing has left a deep void in our socio-political fabric.”
Clark’s kinsmen also mourned his departure.
The President of the Ijaw National Congress, Benjamin Okaba has mourned the death of the elder statesman, stating that his death has left a major vacuum.
Okaba who spoke to residents at the residence of the late Niger Delta leader in Abuja on Tuesday, said his qualities of integrity, courage, and the capacity to speak truth to power, were qualities that would be “very difficult to be replicated in anybody at all.”
He added, “The feeling is very bad, though mixed feelings. Because I’m the first place, he died an accomplished person, living up to 97. It’s not easy. If he had stayed on for another six weeks, it would have clocked 98 years.
“He played a leading role in the reunification of the South-South and the Middle East. He is that voice, that irrepressible voice, of not only the Ijaw people, but also the Niger Delta, and the minorities across West Africa.
“The issue of integrity, courage, the capacity to speak truth to power, the capacity to speak undiluted truth to power; these are qualities that are very, very difficult to replicate in anybody at all.
“Clark died leaving a major vacuum. But we have this belief in God that in the same manner that Clark was raised, was raised and prepared for leadership, there is no vacuum in politics, in life at all. So we also believe that the national process will follow, in bringing up a leader that will take over from him.”
Okada also disclosed that a process had begun to fill the “big shoe” left by Clark’s demise.
“How it will come, I don’t know; who will the leader be, I don’t know. But I know there is already a national process.
“There is an ongoing national process. We know that that vacuum will be covered, There is no doubt about it. It is a big loss, a big vacuum, and a big shoe,” he added.
A former Chairman of the Police Service Commission and current Chairman of the Ohaneze Ndigbo for the nineteen Northern States and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Simon Okeke, has described the late elder statesman as a detribalised Nigerian who fought fearlessly in defence of truth and justice.
Okeke, who is also the Chairman of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, said it was unfortunate to lose Clark at a time when his wise contributions were needed.
He also urged the “very few people like Clark” who remain in Nigeria to be honest and truthful in the affairs of the country, as that was the best way to immortalize themselves.
According to Okeke, “The people of Delta State have lost a great leader, a vibrant and firebrand leader, who fought fearlessly in defence of truth and justice.
“He was a detribalized Nigerian. It is very rare to find a man like him, so the people of Delta where he came from have lost a gem.
“For Nigeria as a country, we have lost one of the finest, detribalized, and fearless leaders. It is very unfortunate for the country to lose such a man at a time when his wise contributions are needed.
“For the few elder statesmen who remain in Nigeria, yes, there are very few people like him, but I urge them to understand that the best way to immortalize themselves is to be honest and truthful in the affairs of the country.”