Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a prominent South-South leader, has passed away at the age of 97. His death was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by a family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark.
The statement read: “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.”
Clark’s passing follows closely on the heels of the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, who died at the age of 96 just a few days earlier. Both Clark and Adebanjo were renowned figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, advocating for democracy, regional development, and national unity.
A towering figure in Nigerian politics, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter. He played a key role in the political development of the country and was a staunch advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta.
Clark served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971 before becoming Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State from 1972 to 1975. At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and later served as a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond politics, he was a prominent voice for regional and national unity. He actively mediated peace among warring communities and political factions in the Niger Delta. In 2024, he spearheaded efforts to reconcile Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political ally, Nyesom Wike, through a committee chaired by former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah.
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Clark was also a key figure in the push for Nigeria’s restructuring. Alongside other eminent leaders, he advocated for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report, which he believed held solutions to the country’s political and socio-economic challenges.
In 2022, Clark and Adebanjo participated in the Greater Nigeria Conference in Abuja, a pan-Nigeria dialogue organized by Nzuko Umunna, an Igbo think tank, to push for a South-East presidency during the 2023 general elections.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. Tributes are expected to pour in from political leaders, activists, and citizens who recognize his contributions to national development. Further details about his funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
