Nigeria has lost one of its most formidable elder statesmen, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed away at the age of 97. His demise was announced late Monday, February 17, 2025, in a statement signed by Prof. C.C. Clark on behalf of the family.
> “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,” the statement read.
Clark’s passing comes just days after Nigeria mourned another nationalist, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the revered Afenifere leader, who died at 96. Their deaths mark the gradual exit of Nigeria’s foremost post-independence political icons.
Born in 1927, Chief Edwin Clark was more than a politician—he was a nationalist, a fearless advocate for justice, and a tireless champion for the rights of the Niger Delta people. A trained lawyer, administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most vocal statesmen, Clark’s impact spanned decades of political evolution in the country.
His public service began as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, after which he served as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State from 1972 to 1975. His influence later reached the federal level when he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975, and from 1979 to 1983, he served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic.
Yet, Clark’s political influence transcended office appointments. He emerged as the loudest voice of the Niger Delta, demanding resource control, fiscal federalism, and infrastructural development for the oil-rich region. As the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the South-South Peoples Assembly, and a prominent figure in the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Clark was unwavering in his quest for justice and equitable governance.
Clark’s fearless and often controversial stance on national issues earned him the respect of allies and adversaries alike. He was an unrepentant critic of policies that marginalized the South-South region and was instrumental in the advocacy that led to the Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta militants. His speeches and open letters to Nigerian leaders over the years were laced with deep historical insight, strong convictions, and an unshakable belief in the unity of Nigeria under a fair and just system.
As tributes pour in from across the country and beyond, Clark’s passing signals the end of an era—one defined by statesmanship, unwavering courage, and a commitment to a better Nigeria. His voice may be silent, but his legacy will continue to resonate in the fight for equity, justice, and national development.
The family has promised to announce further details regarding his funeral arrangements in due course.
PIONEER NEWS 