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By Honest Edomi
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, born on May 25, 1927, was a prominent Nigerian, Statesman, Ijaw leader and politician. He played a significant role in Nigerian politics, particularly during the Mid-Western Region (now Edo and Delta States). He worked with the military administrations of Samuel Ogbemudia and General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975. He was involved in politics at both the regional and federal levels. He served as a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the then Mid-Western Region and was later appointed Federal Commissioner of Information, which is equivalent to Minister of Information. He equally served as an unofficial advisor to President Goodluck Jonathan. During the reign of militancy in the Niger Delta he was one of the few individuals who could speak to the government and the now repentant militants before peace was achieved. He was until death a father of the Ijaw nation as well as one of the very few nation’s Statesmen that could speak truth to the nation’s political leaders. He was also leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Clark a Lawyer by profession was also a philanthropis. He established the Edwin Clark Foundation and founded a university in his hometown, named Edwin Clark University. His death on February 17, 2025 at the age of 97 has been described by President Tinubu who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, “as a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice. He was a beacon of courage who spoke for the Niger Delta and the nation”.
Former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan described Clark as a great nationalist, who lived in full validation of human dignity. The former president said regarding Clark, “He was a staunch advocate for freedom and national pride. Pa Clark was more than a father and leader; he was an ambassador, an audacious voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast preacher of justice and minority rights.“Whether as a federal commissioner or later as an elder statesman, he remained a courageous and fearless advocate for equity, justice, inclusivity, and good governance.”
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio said, “Pa Clark was a Pan-Nigerian and Pan-African, who fought for all, including the minorities. He was a great man who devoted much of his life time, energy and intellect serving humanity, Senator Akpabio further stated. This may be why the President of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Barr. Ese Gam Owe noted while expressing his condolences, “When shall we see another like him”.
The funeral service which was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Kiagbodo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State had several dignitaries in attendance including Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. Also present were Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, and his wife, Ezinne Catherine; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Senators Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Ede Dafinone, Henry Seriake Dickson; Chief Rufus Ada George; and Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, among others.
Survived by his wife, children, grand children and great great grand children, late Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark will remain in the memories of Nigerians for a long time to come.
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