A former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, has flown to eternal home of all mortals, his family announced on Tuesday.
Mr Clark, a prominent leader of Ijaw ethnic nationality, died on Monday, according to a statement by C. C. Clark, a professor on behalf of the family.
The Ijaw leader and Elder statesman exited the earth at 97 years.
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His passing comes shortly after the loss of another esteemed elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Pa Ayo Adebanjo at 96 years, marking the end of an era for Nigeria’s political elders.
The statement from the family reads, “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 family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Towering profile of Clark
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark was a towering figure in the Midwest State’s political evolution from 1963-1966, aligning himself with progressive movements advocating for minority rights.
He was a staunch supporter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political vision and was instrumental in pushing for regional development policies that would later define his advocacy for the Niger Delta.
During the military governments from 1966-1979, Clark remained politically active, aligning himself with the government of General Yakubu Gowon. As Federal Commissioner for Information (1975-1976), he played a crucial role in the administration’s communication strategies, advocating national unity during a period of great political instability.
Clark was a strong advocate for the creation of states to address ethnic and regional grievances, a position that aligned with Gowon’s state creation policy. His tenure as Information Commissioner saw him emerge as a national political figure, often serving as the bridge between the military government and civilian political structures.
With Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1979, Edwin Clark aligned himself with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which won the elections that year. As an influential figure in the party, he was involved in policy discussions regarding oil revenue distribution and the role of the Niger Delta in national development.
However, his time in mainstream politics was short-lived as the 1983 coup brought an abrupt end to civilian rule. Despite this setback, Clark continued to play a behind-the-scenes role, advising political leaders and advocating for democratic governance.
The Niger Delta Struggle and Return to Democracy (1999-2025)
Clark’s most defining political years came in the Fourth Republic, beginning in 1999 when Nigeria returned to democratic governance. He emerged as the most vocal advocate for the Niger Delta’s development, calling for resource control, environmental justice, and economic empowerment for the oil-producing states.
He played a crucial role in negotiations between militant groups and the Nigerian government, contributing to the 2009 Amnesty programme that helped curb violence in the Niger Delta.
As the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Clark championed resource control, fiscal federalism, and regional development, earning him respect across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Clark also engaged with successive administrations, including those of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, always pushing for greater investment in the region.
