Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and former commissioner for finance in the state, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, have described the passage of elder statesman and former minister of information, Chief Edwin Clark, as “end of a great era”
Clark, the convener and founder of the influential Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), passed on at 97 on Monday night in Abuja.
Governor Oborevwori stated that the late Clark was not just a politician, lawyer and lawmaker, but a freedom fighter that used his position to advocate for the good of all Nigeria, while Olorogun Bernard Okumagba noted that the Ijaw leader was a committed statesman and advocate of good governance.
In a condolence message to the family and the Ijaw nation, Governor Oborevwori, in statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Pa Clark’s life and times as indeed well spent in the service of the nation.
He eulogised the late elder statesman for his unwavering and unprecedented dedication to the growth and unity of the nation, especially in the South-South.
Oborevwori said; “Today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model, Chief (Dr) Senator 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.
“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.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, on the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday 17th February, 2025.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Kiagbodo, 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.
“Pa Clark, an astute lawyer, administrator, patriot, and freedom fighter, was a prominent player in Nigerian politics and a tenacious supporter of the rights of Niger Deltans.”
His passing, coming a few days after the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, is truly the end of a great era.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace!”
Meanwhile, Okumagba in a press statement commiserated with the people of the Niger Delta, describing Clark’s death as a huge loss to Nigeria, but Niger Delta in particular.
Okumagba, who is prominent leader of the APC in Delta State and Former Commissioner of Finance, condoled with the Clark family of Kiagbodo and indeed the entire nation on the sad news.
Okumagba stated, “I am saddened to hear about the passing of our dearly beloved Chief Edwin Clark, a true Nigerian elderstatesman and icon. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, our people in Delta State, the Niger Delta Region and the entire nation.”
He stated further that, “Chief Clark’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to public service. Indeed, he spent over seven decades serving Nigeria in various capacities from the local to the Federal level as Councillor, State Commissioner for Education, Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information and Senator.
He was a member of various national conferences and spent his lifetime working with like minds to birth a Nigeria founded on equity and primed for development and growth.”
Olorogun Okumagba described him as a man whose “commitment to the country’s growth and development was inspiring, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
According to Olorogun Okumagba, “as a respected leader of the Niger Delta region, Chief Clark worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and development in the region. His contributions to the establishment of the University of Benin and the founding of Edwin Clark University in 2015 are a testament to his passion for education and empowerment.”
He offered his deepest sympathies to his family, as follows: “May you find comfort in the knowledge that his life’s work has made a lasting impact on our nation. May his memory continue to inspire us all to carry on his legacy.”
Olorogun Okumagba also urged Nigerians to: “take a moment to reflect on Chief Clark’s remarkable life and service. Let us honour his memory by continuing to work towards a united, prosperous, and peaceful Nigeria.”
