The celebrated English writer, William Shakespeare in one of his many iconic books wrote that: “The world is a stage and men as actors have their entrance and exit”
And so for Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who entered the stage 97 years ago, the door opened for his exit, on Monday February 18, 2025, as he transited to the great beyond.
Irrepressible, vocal, bowel of wisdom, nationalist and unrepentant advocate for the minorities, late E.K.Clark as he was popularly known came, saw and conquered.
The news of his death came like a thunderbolt, it was shocking, benumbing and devastating.
Clark was like a sentinel for the South South region of Nigeria. Whenever he speaks, even the powers that be are forced to listen and adjust accordingly. He was a rallying point for all the creme dela creme in the region, both those in politics, business and other vocations.
And so when such a personality is pronounced dead, emotions are bound to run haywire
Shortly after the family announced the passing of the iconic leader in a statement, a flurry of tributes and eulogies began to pour in from across Nigeria and even beyond.
President Bola Tinubu, who was once in the trenches along with Clark in the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, fighting for the restoration of democratic rule in the country, 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.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori said that “today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, 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.”
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri in his tribute, expressed sadness over the passing of the elder statesman
Gov. Diri in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah said he received the news of the “passing of the Ijaw ethnic nationality’s foremost personage and leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, with sadness and equanimity.”
The statement said Ijaw nation has lost its father-figure and irrepressible voice, adding that Chief Clark was an icon, a treasure of inestimable value and a nationalist par excellence.
“He was a distinguished patriot, who dedicated his whole life to the service of Nigeria. Until the very end, he was unrelenting. As the Ijaw nation reflects on the passage of this exceptional sage, we take solace in his matchless contributions to national development.
“On behalf of the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Bayelsa State, I express heartfelt condolences to the Clark family of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area and the Delta State government,” the governor said.
Gov . Diri, who prayed the Lord to grant the family and the Ijaw nation the grace to bear the great loss, further directed that all flags in the state fly at half-mast for three days, while all government’s fifth anniversary activities remain suspended for the same period.
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, extended condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family. He said the tragic news of the death of Chief Edwin Clark, is rather heart-wrenching, given the impact of such a loss.
In a statement issued by the governor ‘s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Gov. Fubara expressed deep sadness to hear about the loss of the elder statesman
Gov. Fubara stated that despite his age, Clark remained active, serving as beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government. “He kept in touch with national issues and did not cease from providing elderly counsel to leaders at various levels, in pursuit of responsible and responsive leadership in Nigeria.”
Gov. Fubara noted that Chief Edwin Clark, as a courageous Ijaw leader, nationalist, and freedom fighter, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the unity of Nigeria, and boldly defended the rights of the minorities, especially Niger Deltans.
“He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (MBLF), and as leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). I pray the Almighty God to grant the repose of his soul and reward his courageous services to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.”
He also consoled the family, saying: “As you navigate this dark period, remember that you are not alone. May the Almighty God grant you the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss.”
From Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu, said that the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, a revered elder statesman and former federal commissioner for information, has left Nigeria in mourning.
The Governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to Chief Clark’s family and the entire nation.
In a press release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, Gov. Otu conveyed his shock at the news, which came just a day after he met with a delegation from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
The statement said that during that meeting, the governor had extended his well wishes to Chief Clark, who, due to health reasons, was unable to join the delegation’s visit to Cross River State. This, he noted, was a testament to the strong bond the elder statesman shared with the people of Cross River.
Gov. Otu acknowledged that while Chief Clark’s passing at the age of 97 signifies a life well-lived, it remains a painful loss given his vast experience, wisdom, and dedication to public service.
Read also: Northern groups mourn Adebanjo, Clark
He emphasized that the South-South region and the entire nation have lost a patriotic leader whose contributions to national development were immeasurable.
Assuring that Chief Clark would be given a befitting burial, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to honouring the legacy of a man whose life’s work greatly impacted Nigeria. He extended his deepest sympathies to Chief Clark’s immediate family, recognizing that their personal loss resonates across the country.
The governor urged Nigerians to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Chief Edwin Clark, adding that his lifelong dedication to public service and the advancement of Nigeria will continue to inspire generations to come.
“May his memory serve as a guiding light in the collective pursuit of a better nation,” the governor prayed.
High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo in his tribute, described 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.
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, 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.
Clark was born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State. He attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka. Thereafter, Clark worked briefly as a schoolteacher before travelling to the United Kingdom to earn a law degree.
