ABUJA, Nigeria — Prominent Nigerian statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, has died at the age of 97.
Clark’s passing was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark.
“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025,” the statement read.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
A Legacy in Politics and Advocacy
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark was a towering figure in Nigerian politics, particularly within the Niger Delta region.
He was a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a key player in the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and military head of state Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975.
His political career began in the 1950s when he was elected Councillor for Bomadi in 1953. He later became involved in the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and was active in the West African Students’ Union during his studies at Holborn College in London.
Following Nigeria’s first military coup in 1966, Clark was part of a delegation from the Mid-Western Region at an ad-hoc constitutional conference convened by Gowon.
As an advocate for Nigerian unity, he opposed proposals for a loose federation. His tenure as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region saw the establishment of a College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.
During the Second Republic, he was a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and served briefly as a senator in 1983 before the collapse of the Shagari administration.
Ijaw Leadership and Niger Delta Advocacy
For decades, Clark was a vocal leader of the Ijaw ethnic group, advocating for their interests in national politics.
He played a key role in representing the Ijaw community during ethnic crises in Warri and led several delegations to engage with government leaders.
In later years, he became an unofficial advisor to President Goodluck Jonathan and remained an outspoken voice on Niger Delta issues, resource control, and national development.
A Philanthropist and Educator
Beyond politics, Clark was a philanthropist and an advocate for education.
In 2015, he founded Edwin Clark University in his hometown, underscoring his commitment to higher education in Nigeria.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Niger Delta region and Nigerian politics, as tributes pour in from political figures, activists, and community leaders across the country.
The family has stated that further details regarding his funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
