Gov. Oborevwori pays condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman pa Clark in Kiagbodo

Gov. Oborevwori pays condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman pa Clark in Kiagbodo 

It is with profound sorrow that I extend my deepest condolences to the family of papa Clark today at his country home in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of the state, over the demise of the elder statesman. I was received by the current head of the family, Prof. Collins College Clark, and Papa Clark's children. 

He lived a fulfilled life and left an indelible mark on this nation. At 97, Papa's memory was very sharp and he was very vocal. I assured the family and the Ijaw nation that my administration will stand behind them throughout this period. Once again, kindly accept my sincere condolences, and may God grant his soul eternal rest.

Clark: The Lion Roars Home, A Tribute By Prime Club International Ayakoromo

Prime Club International, a community-based socio-cultural

organization in Ayakoromo Federated Community within the

Niger Delta expresses with profound grief the demise of

their father, leader and elder statesman, Chief (Pa) Edwin

Kiagbodo Clark. 

The Club founded in 1993 geared towards projecting cultural heritage, welfarism and human capital

development in a press statement signed by the newly

elected president, Prince Ahmed Saibakumo and the

spokesman, Barr. Preye Onduku extolled the late eminent

elderstatesman as unforgettable in the memories of the people of

Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta.

The Club thanks God Almighty for blessing their departed

leader 97 graceful years on earth; however, they bemoaned,

“his death came as a heartache because he was the

unshaken voice of the down trodden in the Niger Delta.

He would remain as our lasting treasure and we have no option

than to express our grief because it is the only price we pay

for the love we have for him.”

The Club extends their heartfelt condolences to the

Bekederemo-Fuludu- Clark dynasty for the painful exit of

their father and leader in the blood hood. The Club also

shared their bereavement with the people of Ngbilebiri Mein

Kingdom, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria for this irreplaceable

loss.

They described Barr., Chief, Dr, Senator, Minister, Edwin

Kiagbodo Clark (OFR,CON), the “Osuo”, “Gogorogo”,

“New Power” as a gallant warrior and political warhorse, a

dreaded human-god who has been a fighter to the end.

According to the Club, “Chief Edwin Clark throughout his

battles was guided by R.J. Madisini’s law of “No retreat, no

surrender”.

They recounted that Chief Edwin Clark was a teacher in his

early life as he traversed the humid creeks of Western Ijaw delivering knowledge. “He was an impactful educationist as

he fought for the establishment of the Midwest State Institute of Technology which ultimately became the

forerunner of the great University of Benin.

Chief Edwin Clark later became its pro-chancellor and also a founding Pro-chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Minna in Niger State.

According to the Club, Chief Edwin Clark’s fame became remarkable in the politics of Western Ijaw during the embattled agitations for merger between the Western Ijaws and Rivers State in the late 1960s.The Club recalled that Chief Edwin Clark later became the leading voice of the delegates from the South-South during the

1998 constitutional conference that gave birth to the current Nigerian constitution. The press statement mentioned that Chief Edwin Clark led the historic walkout or boycott by Niger Delta conferees over disagreement on the derivation revenue

accruing the oil bearing Niger Delta States.

According to the press statement, “Chief Edwn Kiagbodo Clark will go down in the annals as the second undisputed leader

of the ijaw nation. The first being Pa (Chief) Harold Dappa-Biriye of Bonny, Rivers State. Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, was widely recognized as the doyen of minority rights, struggle in Nigeria.

According to the Club, “Chief Dappa-Biriye led the Niger Delta delegates to the Nigerian Pre-Independence talks at lancaster House, London between 1957 and 1958. Chief Dappa-Biriye co-founded the Ijo (Ijaw) People’s League in 1941 which later transformed into the Niger Delta Congress as a political party. Till his death in 2005 at the ripe age of 85, Chief Dappa-Biriye was the flag-bearer for self-determination, major control in the economic and political police by Ijaws in Nigeria”.

The statement added, “Chief Edwin Clark ventures in the Warri crisis in the late 1990s to the leadership of the Pan-Niger

Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the political crisis in Rivers State are a testimony that Chief Edwin Clark throughout his life time; his advocacies for fairness, equity, justice, restructuring were “brutally frank”.

They said that history would be kind to him in the Nigerian context as a fearless fighter who waded through the lion’s dens

no matter whose ox is gored. Till his last breath he was the living defensive wall of his people and the totem of peace and stability in the Nigerian Federation. His legacies would be fondly remembered by generations yet unborn in Ijaw land and

beyond.

The Club called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take charge of the Edwin Clark University as a Federal Institution. It

would be a lasting legacy and monument for the elder statesman. The Club declared its readiness to participate actively in the burial rites of the hero and wish him eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen.

IPF pays condolence visit at late Pa Clark home in warri, says his death has created leadership vacuum

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late Pa Edwin Clark in Warri, Delta State, at noon today. During the visit, its National President Comrade Ozobo Austin delivered a heartfelt condolence speech, where he described Pa Clark's demise as a loss that is "irreparable".

Speaking further, he noted that Pa Clark was held in high esteem by the Niger Delta, Ijaw nation and the publishing fraternity. 

The president who was flanked by the assistant secretary, Mr Perez Bibaikefe, publisher Iduwinvoice, Financial secretary, Mr Mike Ugedi, Publishers, Delta event and Ms Ejiro Bobo, emphasised that the late Ijaw national leader and elder statesman, Pa Clark played a significant role in promoting the cause of the Niger Delta region and advocating for its development.

IPF also described Pa Clark as the last voice standing that has bowed to the supreme call, lamenting that his death has created a leadership vacuum in the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region.

While expressing deep condolences, IPF said Clark died at a time his fatherly advice and experience were needed most to guide the liberation movement of Ijaw people and Niger Delta at large.

They prayed to the God Almighty to grant the Pa Clark family, Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region to bear the irreparable loss.

However, the group's condolence speech was a fitting tribute to Pa Clark's legacy, and their words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Tribute: For E.K. Clark And His Landlord_By: Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Tribute: For E.K. Clark And His Landlord_By: Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Away from this world everyman withers and walks someday. A herald of the going often sealed like clam. JP Clark took a bow from this world leaving no herald except his poems and plays.

Many decades had gone by, yet Ek Clark had long  lived a life of debts.

On 17 February  2025 the owed landlord gave Ek Clark a quit notice.

Without demur Ek Clark  cleared his debts and journeyed away from his landlord.

Once a heavily  indebted tenant, Ek Clark carved a space , a space sun and rain cannot penetrate.

The Ijaws have lost Ek Clark but not the space. That Ek Clark was heavily  in debts until death sweetens the soul like honey fresh from Obubou Forest.

Away Ek Clark would have journeyed without space if he were not indebted, heavily indebted, on earth to his landlord.

Safe journey to the indebted Ek Clark who hid from his landlord for over 95 years!

Away, banned from this world is Ek Clark because he has received his quit notice without his activist protest and a team of lawyers from his chamber.

Because Ek Clark is no more on earth, there must be another pact with Ek Clark's landlord. May Tompolo be more heavily indebted to Ek Clark's landlord than Ek Clark!

The world only smiles when Tompolo is in debts much  more than Ek Clark.

I see nothing in this world  but only celebratory tears for the departed Ek Clark.

No, I have just lied!

I can also see impassioned tears for Tompolo to be in sky-high debts to Ek Clark's landlord  much more than the departed Ek Clark.

Enewaridideke writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Mulade Mourns Passing Of Clark, describes him a Voice for the Oppressed

Mulade Mourns Passing Of Clark, describes him a Voice for the Oppressed

Renowned Niger Delta leader and advocate, Comrade Mulade, has paid tribute to the late foremost Niger Delta leader, Chief E. K. Clark describes him as a voice for truth, the oppressed, and a fearless advocate for development in the Niger Delta region. 

Mulade acknowledged that Clark's passing was a "big blow," painful loss, and leaves a huge void, one that will be difficult to fill, emphasizing that his wealth of experience was still greatly needed.

Comrade  Mulade, who is also an Environmentalist and the Ibe-Serimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Area of Delta State reflected on Clark's remarkable contributions to the nation, particularly in the Niger Delta Region, stating that his legacy cannot be forgotten soon. 

He praised late Pa Clark as a "fountain of knowledge" and a dynamic leader whose absence will be deeply felt.

On behalf of his family, Mulade extended heartfelt condolences to Clark's immediate family, Delta State and loved ones, acknowledging that he lived a fulfilled life. 

Mulade concluded by wishing Clark's gentle soul to rest in perfect peace.

King Pereama Freetown JP pens down historic tribute in honor of late ljaw

King Pereama Freetown JP pens down historic tribute in honor of late ljaw national leader pa E.K. Clark 

Tribute to Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

The loss of a Colossus!

Clark was born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State. He attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka. Thereafter, Clark worked briefly as a school teacher before travelling to the United Kingdom to earn a law degree.

Clark was involved in politics and his journey started during the pre-independence period when he was elected as Councillor for Bomadi in 1953. He later joined National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). While a student at Holborn College, he was active in the West African Students' Union.

After the military coup of January 1966, Clark was among a group of delegates from the Mid-West who opposed any ideas of confederation that were raised at an ad-hoc constitutional conference set up by Gowon in 1966. The delegation's mandate was Nigerian unity and when proposals of a loose federation were tabled, the region's delegates asked for adjournment. Clark was later appointed Midwestern Commissioner for Education and later, Finance. As commissioner for education, he was active in the establishment of a Mid-west College of Technology that became the foundation of the University of Benin.

During the second republic, he was a member of the national executive committee of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was the treasurer of the party in Bendel State (now, in part, Delta State and previously the Mid-Western Region province). In 1983, he was an elected senator for three months at the twilight of the Shagari administration.

Beginning in 1996, Clark was one of the leaders of the Ijaw nation. He supported the Ijaw nation and later became the leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF and the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

Clark was the founder of Edwin Clark University which was established in 2015.

Clark's qualities stern from his unapologetic speaking truth to power which was where he also found his strength.

He was a believer of the Ijaw struggle for emancipation and freedom, he was also a product of the culture which he held dearly till his last days.

Clark loved Ijaw music and always encouraged musicians whenever the opportunity presents itself.

The person of Edwin Kiagbodo Clark can only be compared to Harold Dappa Preye, Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, Melford Okilo and other Ijaw legends.

We will surely miss a legendary figure and father in the struggle .

We extend our condolences to his family and the entire Ijaw nation as we pledge our unflinching support to give him a befitting burial.

Adieu Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark!

Rest on legend!

King Pereama Freetown Jp, Izon numu pere II

For and on behalf of Ijaw Musicians.

Amb. Lawson Ayakoroma eulogizes late ljaw national leader pa Clark, says a big tree has gone underground

Amb. Lawson Ayakoroma eulogizes late ljaw national leader pa Clark, says a big tree has gone underground 

 

The Elder Statesman, Pa Edwin Clark is one of Nigeria's finest minds. He was a big tree on whose branches other trees emerged and had their root - lending a helping hand to hundreds, thousands and millions of men. 

He was a septugenerian by calendar, but countless centuries by legacy, one who lived in time with the infinity of  eternity eternity. 

The news of your demise ushered in a retrospect of the 'Niger Delta Struggle' and all you represent knowing that you were a change catalyst whose vehement voice echoed  on National TV preparing the path for freedom.

Pa Edwin was clothed in truth with an amazing depth of tenacity that is beyond our world. We take solace in the beautiful box of memories you have left behind. 

Sleep on! 'The Iroko' and passionate advocate of freedom. You are ever present with us through your wisdom and legacies of patriotism, peace, philosophy and philanthropic gestures. 

My heart goes out to the family and loved one in times like this and be assured you have my prayers and positive thoughts.

From Lawson Ayakoroma, A Product of Chief PA Clark's Patriotsm.

IGL mourns passage of south-south leader pa Clark, says his demise is a big blow to ljaw nation

IGL mourns passage of south-south leader pa Clark, says his demise is a big blow to ljaw nation

The lndependent Grassroot Liberators (IGL), a political pressure group for good governance in Delta State has sent a condolence message to the Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, on the death of their patriarch and foremost ljaw national leader, High Chief. Sen. Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark alias Gogorogo whose sad new occured on monday February 17, 2025.

In a statement released on Wednesday in warri and jointly signed by Amb. Mamamu Bene Youkore, National President IGL and Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix AKA Ycom, National Coordinator Independent Grassroot Liberators lamented that the death of papa Clark is a big blow to ljaw nation, stressing that he was a large umbrella covering ljaw people over the years.

According to the statement, read below:

" It is with profound sorrow that the lndependent Grassroot Liberators receives the news of the passing of our esteemed leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who departed this life on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.

" Chief Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria's political landscape and a relentless advocate for the rights and development of the Niger Delta region."

" His unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the upliftment of the Ijaw nation has left an indelible mark on our collective history.

" He served as the Federal Commissioner for Information and was a trusted advisor in various administrations, notably contributing to national discourse and policy formulation. 

"As we mourn this colossal loss, the lGL extends its deepest condolences to the Clark family, the Ijaw nation, and all Nigerians who were touched by his leadership and vision."

" Chief Clark's life was a beacon of hope and resilience; his contributions to our society are immeasurable and will continue to inspire generations to come.

" In honouring his memory, we pledge to uphold the values he stood for and to continue advocating for the progress and unity of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large."

May his soul rest in perfect peace, the statement added.

Signed:

Amb. Mamamu Bene Youkore, National President Independent Grassroot Liberators IGL.

Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix AKA Ycom. National Coordinator Independent Grassroot Liberators IGL.

Barrister Smooth Mourns Pa E. K. Clark, Says the Iroko, Hero for Justice has Fallen

Barrister Smooth Mourns Pa E. K. Clark, Says the Iroko, Hero for Justice has Fallen 

Cry for Freedom

Our dear revered Father of IZON Nation, Pa Chief, Senator,  Barr. Honourable, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, your death came to me as a shocker. You were the great Iroko, you were the warrior for justice, a hero beyond words. You

fought for the freedom of our people, young and old with courage and bravery never known in history. You battled oppression, and never compromised, even when your house and properties were burnt down in the Warri crises.

Freedom is dead. A warrior is gone home. A hollow is created.

But we can still hear your voice echoed through the Niger Delta, a call to rise for the sufferings and marginalization of the people. You stood tall, unwavering, like a beacon in the dark whether. 

Though your physical form, has left this earthly plane but your spirit remains, a flame that will forever sustain our dreams of the oppressed, the hopes of the free.

Live on our father, your name and testament and  legacies will be  etched in history, as a hero of the land. You are the great freedom fighter, who took his final stand, as your book simply defined ( Brutally Frank).

Rest on papa!

Signed: Chief Barrister S Smooth, an Apostle of your freedom movement.

Egrangbene Community mourn passage of Pa Clark, says his death is a monumental loss to ljaw nation

Egrangbene Community mourn passage of Pa Clark, says his death is a monumental loss to ljaw nation

Egrangbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has sent a condolence message to the Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town on the passing of elder statesman and ljaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing his death as a monumental loss to ljaw nation in particular and Niger Delta at large.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Egrangbene Community, Mr. Peres Kareyebo noted that pa Clark lived a well fulfilled life in serving ljaw nation and Nigeria at large.

He eulogized pa Clark's unwavering dedication in the fight against injustice, oppression and marginalization of the Niger Delta minority ethnic tribes by the Nigeria federal government and multinational oil companies, say ljaw nation and Niger Delta has loss a Colossus.

He pray God to give the children fortitude to bear the devastating loss of the patriarch of the Fuludu Bekederemo family, adding that papa lived the best of his life in serving humanity, and passed on at the ripeful age of 97,  leaving a great legacy behind the current and next generation to follow.

PAP Boss, Otuaro Pays Condolence Visit to Pa Clark Family, Describes Death as a Colossal Loss to Nigeria, ljaw Nation

PAP Boss, Otuaro Pays Condolence Visit to Pa Clark Family, Describes Death as a Colossal Loss to Nigeria, ljaw Nation 

PRESS RELEASE

Pa Clark's Contribution To Nation Building Enormous- PAP Boss

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman and foremost leader of the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and the South-South region, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

Otuaro described the demise of Clark at the age of 97 on Monday, February 17, 2025, as announced by his immediate family, as a huge loss to Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and other minorities in the country.

He described Clark as a great patriot, nationalist, teacher, lawyer, administrator, and a towering figure in Nigerian politics who made immense contributions to the political development and unity of the country.

Otuaro said that Clark's public service records spanning pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria were legendary, and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment and dedication to nation building.

The PAP helmsman noted that Clark was a charismatic leader and mentor under whose tutelage prominent socio-political platforms like the Ijaw National Congress (INC), South South Peoples Assembly, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders' Forum (SMBLF) became strong leading voices for regional and national cohesion built on the principles of equity, fairness and justice.

He further stated that as a fearless Ijaw man, Clark was a tireless and consistent freedom fighter for minority rights and a powerful advocate for true federalism, resource control, environmental justice, economic development and better living condition for his people in the Niger Delta.

Otuaro said that as a growing young Ijaw man, he learnt and benefitted valuable life-lessons at the feet of the departed elder statesman which had helped him a great deal in his life.

The PAP boss added that Clark's sharp, magnetic memory and his ability to recall incidents that happened many years ago even in his old age stood him out as a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom.

He said he was profoundly saddened by the passing of a warrior-father and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Clark's family, the Ijaw nation and indeed the people of the Niger Delta.

Otuaro prayed to God to grant the soul of Clark eternal rest and comfort his family.

Signed: 

Mr Igoniko Oduma

Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme

18/02/2025

IPF Mourns Late ljaw National Leader Pa Clark, Describes Death as a Monumental Loss

IPF Mourns Late ljaw National Leader Pa Clark, Describes Death as a Monumental Loss

It is with profound sorrow that the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) receives the news of the passing of our esteemed leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who departed this life on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.

Chief Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria's political landscape and a relentless advocate for the rights and development of the Niger Delta region. 

His unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the upliftment of the Ijaw nation has left an indelible mark on our collective history.

He served as the Federal Commissioner for Information and was a trusted advisor in various administrations, notably contributing to national discourse and policy formulation. 

As we mourn this monumental loss, the IPF extends its deepest condolences to the Clark family, the Ijaw nation, and all Nigerians who were touched by his leadership and vision. 

Chief Clark's life was a beacon of hope and resilience; his contributions to our society are immeasurable and will continue to inspire generations to come.

In honouring his memory, we pledge to uphold the values he stood for and to continue advocating for the progress and unity of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Signed:

Comrade Ozobo Austin

President, Ijaw Publishers Forum

Ijaw Nation Mourns as her National Leader Sen. E.K. Clark Passes On at Age 97

Ijaw Nation Mourns as her National Leader Sen. E.K. Clark Passes On at Age 97

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.

Signed:

Prof. C. C. Clark, for the family.

Mr. Penawei Clark for the children.

The End of An Era, Rest In Power, My Grandfather.

Featured Article: Sam Kojo vs Barrister Smooth The Hunter is Hunted_ By Gesikeme Akparakata

Featured Article: Sam Kojo vs Barrister Smooth The Hunter is Hunted_ By Gesikeme Akparakata

15th of February 2025 was historic. The spirit of music in Barrister Smooth appeared like a storm in Bassam biri Nembe in Bayelsa State. He was possibly at his best, with his melodious voice entertaining the crowd, which seemingly was under his music spell and effect. He proved no doubt a master of the game hunting through the night with a force never known in history. The earth quakes at the sound of his music, with his beautiful well tailored trousers as wide as the sea. 

Fashionable Smooth love to appear different to have his crown as the King of High life music in the South South region. He was extremely good in delivering to his very excited audience, for their expectations were clearly written on their faces , and he could not afford to fail them. 

It was a moment to remember as the African cultural music icon paddled through the night with unending vibes- none stop. He was truly a good hunter who knows the jungle and every track in the forest. The ancient Ijaw town of Nembe, where the great King William Frederick Koko came from bowed to the musical power of Smooth, who joyfully was celebrating his victory without expecting any attack from anywhere. He took the crowd through his list of beautiful songs; from Alamieyeseigha's "God Na you I know" to " Papa Smooth" to "AMALAGHA Opuye" to "Mein butu'" to " Sam Kojo Owei". He proved to his listeners that he remains an enigma whose musical history remains has created some edge, given the time he had invested for the freedom of his people.

Smooth was showcasing his dancing skills and musical talent, amidst the fanfare, then came suddenly into the stage the Lion, a King of the forest. First the over excited Barrister Smooth did not know that it was war. The Lion took his steps, gradually dancing to the beautiful rhythms of the hunter, as he moved in calculated manner to overcome his prey. A prey? No that was impossible. Barrister Smooth in his long musical history had never been defeated by anyone, hence having the title of the Adaka Boro of Izon music.

The brave  Lion, Sam Kojo was not intimidated. To him every champion in the history of mankind has a match. One step backward, he moved again towards the great Paddle with a rain of naira notes, a force that took the music King off balance. But trust the music prophet, he could not give in easily to oppression. Both the hunter and the Lion fought through the night back to back. Minutes and hours gone by, the night could not record a winner. It was money against talent, the power of music against a very influential force, it was the hunter who seemed to be hunted by the King of the jungle. Sam Kojo with a kind smile, tapped the shoulders of the night hunter, and whispered to his ears that he would return. The floor was flooded with money all around the arena.

The wake keep of Ma Aladinyo Victoria Oweidiyegha ( nee Teilanyo) aged 85 years, became a celebration of life for a time well spent on earth. The soul of the death must rest in peace for the befitting burial accorded to her.

Barrister Smooth remains a force to reckon with, as far as the music industry in Africa is concerned, but he was almost been defeated by Sam Kojo of Nembe Bassam biri who had to let him go perhaps because of his crown or out of respect for the musical icon. But Barrister Smooth should remember that there is only one King in the jungle, and that is the Lion who cannot be defeated. Sam Kojo is a Lion.

It was a very long happy night though...

Gesikeme Akparakata, observed.

Featured Article: Sam Kojo vs Barrister Smooth The Hunter is Hunted_ By Gesikeme Akparakata

15th of February 2025 was historic. The spirit of music in Barrister Smooth appeared like a storm in Bassam biri Nembe in Bayelsa State. He was possibly at his best, with his melodious voice entertaining the crowd, which seemingly was under his music spell and effect. He proved no doubt a master of the game hunting through the night with a force never known in history. The earth quakes at the sound of his music, with his beautiful well tailored trousers as wide as the sea. 

Fashionable Smooth love to appear different to have his crown as the King of High life music in the South South region. He was extremely good in delivering to his very excited audience, for their expectations were clearly written on their faces , and he could not afford to fail them. 

It was a moment to remember as the African cultural music icon paddled through the night with unending vibes- none stop. He was truly a good hunter who knows the jungle and every track in the forest. The ancient Ijaw town of Nembe, where the great King William Frederick Koko came from bowed to the musical power of Smooth, who joyfully was celebrating his victory without expecting any attack from anywhere. He took the crowd through his list of beautiful songs; from Alamieyeseigha's "God Na you I know" to " Papa Smooth" to "AMALAGHA Opuye" to "Mein butu'" to " Sam Kojo Owei". He proved to his listeners that he remains an enigma whose musical history remains has created some edge, given the time he had invested for the freedom of his people.

Smooth was showcasing his dancing skills and musical talent, amidst the fanfare, then came suddenly into the stage the Lion, a King of the forest. First the over excited Barrister Smooth did not know that it was war. The Lion took his steps, gradually dancing to the beautiful rhythms of the hunter, as he moved in calculated manner to overcome his prey. A prey? No that was impossible. Barrister Smooth in his long musical history had never been defeated by anyone, hence having the title of the Adaka Boro of Izon music.

The brave  Lion, Sam Kojo was not intimidated. To him every champion in the history of mankind has a match. One step backward, he moved again towards the great Paddle with a rain of naira notes, a force that took the music King off balance. But trust the music prophet, he could not give in easily to oppression. Both the hunter and the Lion fought through the night back to back. Minutes and hours gone by, the night could not record a winner. It was money against talent, the power of music against a very influential force, it was the hunter who seemed to be hunted by the King of the jungle. Sam Kojo with a kind smile, tapped the shoulders of the night hunter, and whispered to his ears that he would return. The floor was flooded with money all around the arena.

The wake keep of Ma Aladinyo Victoria Oweidiyegha ( nee Teilanyo) aged 85 years, became a celebration of life for a time well spent on earth. The soul of the death must rest in peace for the befitting burial accorded to her.

Barrister Smooth remains a force to reckon with, as far as the music industry in Africa is concerned, but he was almost been defeated by Sam Kojo of Nembe Bassam biri who had to let him go perhaps because of his crown or out of respect for the musical icon. But Barrister Smooth should remember that there is only one King in the jungle, and that is the Lion who cannot be defeated. Sam Kojo is a Lion.

It was a very long happy night though...

Gesikeme Akparakata, observed.