Edwin Clark: Tinubu, Oborevwori, Tompolo, Otuaro, Bozimo, Others Mourn

Nigerians have expressed sadness over the demise of foremost Niger Delta leader Chief E.K Clark at 97 years old.

The President, Bola Tinubu yesterday expressed deep sadness over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, a renowned leader and former federal commissioner of information. 

Clark, who died at 97, was a respected advocate for the Niger Delta region and a passionate champion of resource control, economic, and environmental justice.¹

Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service to his community and nation. He served as a councillor, state, and federal cabinet member, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria's political landscape.

President Tinubu described Clark's passing as a "deeply sobering loss," praising him as a courageous leader who stood for justice and unity. Clark's influence spanned nearly six decades, and his views on national issues were distinct and patriotic.

As a lawyer, educationist, and politician, Clark believed in a united Nigeria, working tirelessly to promote national unity, diversity, and true federalism. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and President Tinubu has prayed for divine comfort for Clark's family, friends, and all those affected by his passing.

Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said that; "Today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model, Chief (Dr) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, OON, an icon whose influence traversed Nigeria's political scene for six decades. Teacher, educator, public servant, and politician, Chief Clark was a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause, and patriotic fervour.

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.

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.

My thoughts and prayers are with his 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.

May God grant his soul eternal repose.

High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has paid tribute to the late Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing him as a unique and potent voice in Nigeria's leadership structure. Tompolo, in a condolence message to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo Family, expressed shock and sadness over Clark's passing, noting that despite his advanced age, he was still full of life.¹

Tompolo praised Clark as a strong, fearless, and irrepressible individual who spoke truth to power and was a voice for the voiceless. He acknowledged the significant impact of Clark's death on Nigeria's leadership structure, describing it as a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

Clark, a renowned Ijaw leader and politician, passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. He was a former federal commissioner of information and a senator, known for his advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta people.²

Tompolo's tribute to Clark reflects the widespread respect and admiration for the late leader's contributions to Nigeria's development. His legacy as a champion of justice and equality will continue to inspire future generations

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and foremost leader of the Ijaw nation, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. Otuaro described Clark's demise as a huge loss to Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and other minorities in the country.¹

According to Otuaro, Clark was a great patriot, nationalist, teacher, lawyer, administrator, and a towering figure in Nigerian politics who made immense contributions to the country's political development and unity. His public service records, spanning pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria, were legendary and a testament to his unwavering commitment to nation-building.

Otuaro noted that Clark was a charismatic leader and mentor who played a significant role in shaping prominent socio-political platforms, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), South-South Peoples Assembly, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders' Forum (SMBLF). These platforms became strong voices for regional and national cohesion, built on the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.

As a fearless Ijaw man, Clark was a tireless advocate for minority rights, true federalism, resource control, environmental justice, economic development, and better living conditions for his people in the Niger Delta. Otuaro, who described Clark as a "warrior-father," described him as a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom, with a sharp and magnetic memory that allowed him to recall incidents from many years ago.

Otuaro extended his heartfelt condolences to Clark's family, the Ijaw nation, and the people of the Niger Delta, praying that God grants his soul eternal rest and comforts his family.

Alaowei Broderick Bozimo said that; "Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR CON was undoubtedly one of Nigeria's greatest Political leaders.Brutally and Fearlessly Frank in speaking Truth to Power. We will eternally remain grateful to the Almighty for providing such a leader for the South South, the Middle Belt, and indeed the ljaw Nation his primary constituency.We of PANDEF will remain grateful to God Almighty for giving us such a rare germ of a leader as Chief Clark.

HIs contributions were enormous.

. Rest in Perfect Peace Great Leader GOGOROGO.OFRCON. 

Niger Delta Activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade said that; " The voice of truth, voice of the oppressed, mentor and the Iroko of the Niger Delta Region has taken his exit. We are going to miss him".

Mrs Christine Aluyi, wrote that; "Gogorogooooooooo...... they finally called your flight and you have boarded. This flight ticket that you have been holding for years. If it were possible for us to delay the flight further, we would have done just that. We cannot stop God's call.

Who wants to lose a father like you? A walking encyclopedia, you came, you saw, you conquered. You were very relevant till death. We cannot list your achievements, no book will contain it. We cannot list the lives you impacted.... uncountable. Where are we going to start from? Your presence alone did magic. 

Each time I spent time with you, up to about a month ago, I always marvelled. How did God create you? You are the only one in your class.... There is none like you. None. 

Well, I want to thank God for your life. He was very gracious to you in everything. I thank God for many things and will continue to thank Him, especially for making you walk the face of the earth and leaving huge footprints behind. 

Daddy, as this flight has taken off, I wish you farewell. Farewell, Daddy. Will miss you greatly. Your daughter, Christine".

Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, a prominent leader of the APC in Delta State and former Commissioner of Finance, has commiserated with the people of the Niger Delta over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark. Okumagba described Clark's death as a huge loss to Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta region.

In a press statement, Okumagba expressed his heartfelt condolences to Clark's loved ones, the people of Delta State, the Niger Delta Region, and the entire nation. He praised Clark's unwavering dedication to public service, spanning over seven decades, during which he served in various capacities, including as a councillor, state commissioner for education, federal commissioner (minister) for information, and senator.

Okumagba hailed Clark as a true Nigerian elder statesman and icon, whose commitment to the country's growth and development was inspiring. He noted that Clark's legacy would continue to inspire future generations. As a respected leader of the Niger Delta region, Clark worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and development in the region.

Okumagba also acknowledged Clark's contributions to education, particularly in the establishment of the University of Benin and the founding of Edwin Clark University in 2015. He urged Nigerians to reflect on Clark's remarkable life and service, and to honour his memory by working towards a united, prosperous, and peaceful Nigeria.

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a renowned elder statesman and Niger Delta leader. Dafinone described Clark's demise as the end of an era of selfless service, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to national unity and progress.

In a heartfelt tribute, Dafinone hailed Clark as a pillar of strength for the Niger Delta people, a defender of minority rights, and a relentless advocate for equity, resource control, and good governance. He noted that Clark's contributions to national discourse and his steadfast commitment to the development of the Niger Delta would serve as a guiding light for generations to come.

Dafinone urged the Clark family, the Ijaw Nation, the Urhobo people, and the entire Niger Delta region to take solace in the remarkable legacy Clark has left behind, stating that his impact on governance, leadership, and advocacy for justice will never be forgotten.

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