Glowing tributes have continued to flood the media space honouring the memory of Elder Statesman and Leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, who died on Monday, 17th February 2025, at 97 years of age.
Among the personalities penning their condolence messages are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as well as Southern and Northern Governors Forums among others.
In his tribute, Chief Obasanjo bemoaned the depleting ranks of the nation’s patriotic leaders, particularly at this crucial state of the country when their wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed.
Obasanjo lamented that it was unfortunate that Clark’s death came barely four days after the demise of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the foremost Yoruba leader and Chairman of Afenifere.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi on Tuesday, quited Obasanjo as noting that, over the years, Clark has been imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing states.
‘A Strong Advocate’ – Pa Reuben Fasoranti
On his part, the National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, described Clark as a “great man who would be remembered for his fearlessness and the knack to ‘say it as he saw it’.”
“Since the need to ensure that Nigeria serves the best interests of the vast majority became more pertinent, my brother, Chief Edwin Clark, was a very strong advocate,” the Afenifere National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi quoted Fasoranti as saying.
“His voice was loud in the agitations for a restructured Nigeria. He always displayed the same strong passion for national issues especially those that affected the South-South”.
He condoled “the immediate and extended families of our late patriot, Chief Edwin Clark, the people of Delta State, and the people of the South-South generally on his demise”.
‘He Stood for Fairness, Equity, and Justice’ – Gov Oborevwori
In his tribute, the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the late politician was a patriot, and role model “whose influence traversed Nigeria’s political scene for six decades”.
“To the people of the Niger Delta region, he was their champion. Bold, outspoken, and fearless, he stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity, and justice for the region,” the governor said.
A post on his X handle on Tuesday said; “His exit is also a personal loss; he was a motivator, mentor, and father to me. I will miss his wisdom, counsel, and zest for life.”
The Governor condoled the late Clark’s family, the people of Kiagbodo in Burutu LGA of Delta State, and the Ijaw nation “over this monumental loss”.
“We can all take solace in the saying that Chief Clark came, he saw, and he conquered,” Oborevwori added.
He Was A ‘Distinguished Patriot’ – Information Minister
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Clark as a distinguished patriot and a relentless advocate for justice and equity.
According to Idris, Clark’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and development, particularly through his roles as a politician, nationalist, and elder statesman, left a significant impact on the country’s governance and unity.
A Monumental Loss – Sen Akpabio
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio described the death of elder statement, Edwin Clark as a monumental loss to the nation.
Akpabio’s signed statement noted that Clark lived a life of service, conviction and dedication to justice, adding; “Pa Clark’s remarkable life was marked by strength and an undying commitment to the unity of this country.
“His voice, though now silenced, will echo in the annals of our history, urging us always toward justice, fairness, and national cohesion”.
Clark Served Nigeria Diligently – Speaker Abass
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas said Chief Clark served Nigeria diligently until the end.
A statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described Clark as an elder statesman who fought for the interests of the oil-rich Niger Delta region all his life.
Governors Mourn
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum in a statement personally signed by its Chairman, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, mourned the death of the two nationalists who recently passed away.
“The deaths of the nonagenarians are a huge depletion in the ranks of outstanding voices who were never afraid to offer their views on issues of national importance.
“The Forum recalls that the duo 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,” AbdulRazaq said.
Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Dapo Abiodun, said the nation lost arguably the most engaging voice seeking redress of decades of exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta peoples.
He said: “The exit of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at 97 marks a watershed in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, Independence, and post-independence eras with all the twists and turns, Chief Clark was simply a personification of Nigerian history.
“He served with distinction for about seven decades and was one of the most accomplished voices of courage and progressivism that Nigeria has ever witnessed.”
An Upright Advocate – Northern Govs
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, also noted that Clark was an upright and relentless advocate for fairness, and whose contributions to governance, democracy, and national discourse earned him admiration and respect.
“Chief Edwin Clark was an advocate for the rights of the downtrodden and a steadfast voice for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. His commitment to justice and good governance distinguished him as a statesman of great repute.
“His demise is a profound loss, not just to the South-South but to the entire country,” the statement partly read.
He Was Conscience Of Leaders – Fubara
For the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said Clark lived as a beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the Governor said; “He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum and as leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum”.
Family’s Announcement
Clark’s demise was announced in a statement released by his family on Tuesday morning.
The statement read; “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February 2025.
“Born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, late Clark attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka. Thereafter, he worked briefly as a school teacher before travelling abroad to earn a law degree.
“He worked with the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975.
“In 1966, he was a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, David Ejoor and was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.
“May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”
