A prominent elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark passed away at the age of 97.
His death, confirmed by his family on February 17, 2025, has drawn tributes from Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and various state governors and political groups.
“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, February 17, 2025,” the family statement read.
The family expressed gratitude for prayers and support, noting that further details would be announced in due course.
Clark, a former National Commissioner and an influential voice in Nigeria’s political landscape, played a key role in advocating for the rights of the Niger Delta region. His contributions to national discourse spanned decades, making him a revered figure in Nigerian politics.
President Tinubu described Clark as a “patriot” and an “astute politician” whose efforts toward national unity, justice, and equity would be remembered by future generations.
“He fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism,” Tinubu said in a statement, honouring Clark’s commitment to building a united Nigeria.
Former President Obasanjo expressed his grief, noting Clark’s distinguished career as an economist, administrator, and politician. He recalled Clark’s service in various roles, including as a commissioner in the Midwestern State and his time as the Federal Government’s spokesperson in 1975.
Obasanjo praised Clark’s unwavering dedication to the Niger Delta and his advocacy for peace and stability in the region.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in his tribute, called Clark a “Trojan war horse” for his contributions to Nigeria’s independence and nation-building. He emphasised Clark’s commitment to true federalism, equity, and good governance, noting that Clark’s legacy would continue through the work of his mentees.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, describing him as an “iconic statesman” whose contributions to national development will be long remembered.
In a condolence message made available in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said Clark’s death was a great loss to the nation, emphasising the late Ijaw leader’s dedication to reforms and unwavering commitment to the progress of both his community and the country.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Dapo Abiodun expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Edwin Clark. Abiodun described Clark’s passing as a monumental loss for Nigeria, marking the end of a significant chapter in the nation’s history.
He acknowledged that Clark was one of the greatest leaders from the South-South region, and his voice was key in advocating for the redress of the exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta people.
Abiodun further highlighted Clark’s extensive contributions to Nigeria’s political, educational, and social landscapes, emphasising his remarkable career which spanned over 70 years.
Clark’s work, from his early days as a Councillor for Bomadi in 1953 to his tenure as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975, as well as his pivotal role in establishing educational institutions like the University of Benin, exemplified his deep commitment to Nigeria.
He also noted Clark’s ongoing engagement in national issues, even in his later years, regularly addressing critical matters in the polity.
“His role in pushing for the restructuring of Nigeria and advocating for peace until his death left a lasting legacy, and he will be remembered as a patriot of the highest order,” Governor Abiodun noted.
Recall that the death of Clark follows the recent passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and the nation is mourning the loss of two influential figures.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message on behalf of the 19 Northern Governors, Governor Inuwa Yahaya paid tribute to the late statesman, who died on Monday, February 27, 2025.
Governor Yahaya describes Chief Clark as an unwavering advocate for fairness and justice while praising his contributions to governance, democracy, and national discourse, which earned him widespread admiration and respect.
“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) joins President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and every stakeholder in the Nigerian project to mourn the passing of two great statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark. 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 statement read.
On his part, Governor of Enugu State Dr. Peter Mbah describes Clark as an unpretentious federalist who gave his all in service to God, country, and humanity at large.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PNMbah, Tuesday, said Chief Edwin Clark discharged his calling as a conscience of the nation, voice of reason, social crusader, and champion of equity, justice, and true federalism.
“I received with rude shock the passing on of a revered statesman, Chief Edwin Clark. He was one man, whom you were never in doubt of where he stood on any national issue. This is, therefore, a grave loss, not only to his immediate family, Delta State, and the Niger Delta but also to the nation as a whole,” he said.
Reacting also, Mr Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere said on Tuesday in Lagos that Clark was passionate about Nigeria, just like the late Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo 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.
