The Isoko ethnic nationality, led by Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the former Minister of Information, who passed away at 97 years old.
Accompanying Hon. Ukodhiko were notable Isoko leaders, including President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, Chief of Staff to the Delta State Government, Hon. Johnson Erijo, pioneer Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, and Grand Patron of IDU, Chief Iduh. Also present were Isoko South Council Chairman, Hon. Friday Warri, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Chairman of the State Hospital Management Board, Chief Paul Oweh, and Director of Legal Affairs at the State Board of Internal Revenue, Mrs. Erezi Esievo.
Speaking on behalf of the Isoko delegation, Prof. Akpotu described the late Chief E.K. Clark as an iconic statesman whose contributions to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria were monumental. He emphasized that the visit was not one of mourning but a celebration of a life well-lived.
“We are here to honor our father, a man whose voice echoed nationwide on derivation, resource control, and justice for the Niger Delta. His legacy extends beyond politics; he was a champion of education, infrastructure, and social development,” Akpotu said.
Highlighting Chief Clark’s passion for education, Prof. Akpotu praised his efforts in establishing Edwin Clark University, which continues to shape the intellectual landscape of the Niger Delta. He also emphasized that Clark’s unwavering pursuit of justice and equity solidified his place as a pillar of the Niger Delta struggle, leaving behind an indelible mark on the region’s political and socio-economic development.
“Chief E.K. Clark was a phenomenal leader, standing in the pantheon of global icons like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. Great men do not die; their legacies endure. The Isoko people are immensely proud of his contributions, and we stand in solidarity with his family and the Ijaw nation during this period of reflection and remembrance,” he added.
The visit was a testament to the deep respect and admiration Chief Clark commanded across ethnic and political lines, cementing his enduring influence in Nigeria’s history.
