The Former Federal Commissioner for Information and Communication, Edwin Clark has been confirmed dead three months before his 98th birthday.
Clark, a renowned Niger Delta elder statesman, known for his outspoken nature against bad governance during his time, was said to have died at the age of 97, in his Abuja residence yesterday.
His death came just four days after Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a chieftain of the Yoruba socio-political group, was pronounced dead weeks before his 97th birthday.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), leader’s passing was announced by his family members, in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
According to the statement, “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.”
Commiserating with the family of the deceased, the Delta state governor Sheriff Oborevwori described Clark as a model of integrity, consistency and a patriotic fervour.
” 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. 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 “.
Also reacting to his demise, the Minister of aviation and aero space development, Fetus keyamo, portrayed the late elder stateman as a fearless and outspoken critics in his later years, adding that Clark lived a fulfilled life of service to Nigeria.
He said, “Our leader and father is gone at a time we needed him most. Pa Edwin Clark, leader of the South-South, father of the nation and quintessential patriot is no more. He was a consummate politician in his heyday and became a fearless and outspoken critic in his later years. Condolences to the Clark family and to the nation in general. He will be sorely missed ”
The late Clark was born in Kiagbodo, a region in present-day Delta State, and pursued his early education at Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene.
He furthered his studies at the Government Teacher Training College, now known as Delta State University, Abraka. After a brief stint as a school teacher, Clark traveled abroad to obtain a law degree.
Between 1966 and 1975, he worked under the administrations of Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia and Head of State General Yakubu Gowon. In 1966, Clark served on an advisory committee to Military Governor David Ejoor of the Mid-Western Region and was later appointed Federal Commissioner of Information.
Clark’s foray into politics began in 1953 when he was elected as a councilor in Bomadi, Delta State.
He subsequently joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) party and held various positions, including Midwestern Commissioner of Education and Finance Commissioner.
