Breaking: Ijaw Famous Leader, Edwin Clark Dies At 97
Barely three months to his 98th birthday anniversary, famous elder, statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark has joined his ancestors.
Until his passing, Clark was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
The former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader, departed from his earthly home on
Monday night, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.
His demise occurred just a few days after the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96.
Clark was a towering figure in Nigerian politics who relentles8s advocated for the rights of the Niger Delta.
He was a Lawyer, an Administrator, a renowned Nationalist, as well as a freedom fighter.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Prof. C.C. Clark on behalf of the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo, Delta state.
The statement read in detail:
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement reads.
Until his passing, Clark was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
His political career began in 1953 when he was elected councillor of Bomadi in Delta state. Clark would later join the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) political party.
He served as Midwestern commissioner of education and later finance between 1966 and 1975.
He pitched tent with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the second republic and was treasurer of the party in the old Bendel state.
The outspoken Ijaw leader and critic was senator for three months in 1983 during the Shehu Shagari administration.
Clark spent the rest of his life advocating for the rights and development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Reportedly, Clark served as a Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
Moreso, at the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
