The Departure of a Colossus, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark_Obodo Elites Council of Ayakoromo Mourns

On February 17, 2025, the prominent leader of the Niger Delta people, Senator Dr. Chief E.K. Clark [OFR, CON], passed away at the age of 97.

Since his passing, tributes, accolades, and sorrow from individuals, groups, and organizations have flooded in. We, the OBODO ELITES COUNCIL OF AYAKOROMO, are no exception.

We extend our condolences to the people of the Niger Delta, the Ijaw nation, and especially the Bekederemo-Fuludu family of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

What stood out to us were the heartfelt tributes from unexpected sources where he had fought for our collective cause—such as the Presidency, the Federal Legislature, and beyond the Niger Delta. This only affirms that during his lifetime, Chief E.K. Clark championed a righteous cause.

As former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan stated, “We are all saying the same thing, using different words to describe the foremost leader.” He was undoubtedly a remarkable man. Regardless of one's opinion of him, his greatness was unquestionable.

On his 90th birthday, seven years ago, Chief E.K. Clark declared that he was ready to depart, waiting in the departure hall with his luggage, but as long as the oppressors remained, he would continue to fight for justice until the end. A commitment he honoured until his passing on February 17, 2025.

Chief E.K. Clark's legacy was institutional. His remarkable memory, unmatched audibility, and versatile nature made him a revered figure. He was not only intelligent but also courageous and direct. He was willing to engage with all, including the corrupt, while exposing corruption with documented evidence. He had the rare ability to excel both in long endurance and short sprints. His death is akin to losing an Olympic gold medal for an athlete—a profound loss.

Despite never holding a political office, Chief E.K. Clark was widely recognized as the leading figure in the diverse and often fragmented Niger Delta, especially among the Ijaw people. His transformational leadership revealed the shortcomings of transactional leaders and made him a case study in leadership.

Given who he was and what he represented, his journey inevitably stirred controversies. That was the hallmark of an enigmatic, transformational leader—one who fought for society at large, not personal gain.

As a defender of the marginalized, the oppressed, and the Niger Delta, his adversaries should forgive him as we stand accountable for the battles he fought.

We urge the Ijaw nation to be cautious and avoid allowing opportunists or those with lesser credentials to claim his mantle, which would only diminish his legacy.

The OBODO ELITES COUNCIL stands ready to participate in any events following his burial rites.

May God grant Chief E.K. Clark eternal rest in Heaven.

Thank you, Senator Dr. Chief E.K. Clark [CFR CON], for your audacity. Dooh gha o.

Signed:

Manager Seigha, Chairman.

Engr. Yeigagha Henry, Secretary.

Dr. Francis Elaweremi, PRO.

IGL inducts new members, as king of water money Tonlagha, Benedict, Ago, Ruth, others pledge to abide by the group's mandate

Francis Tayor

Warri ____ Following the positive impacts created by the lndependent Grassroot liberators (IGL) activities in Delta State over the years, some admirers of the social political pressure group originated from Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state has identified with the formidable body in order to contribute their quota in the advocacy for good governance for the common man in the society.

On Sunday February 23, 2025 was a remarkable and historic day for Engr. Gift lmoun Tonlagha alias King of Water Money, Hon. Benedict Lawyer-owei, Gen. Ruth Ezetu alias Queen of the Girls, Hon. Amend Fullpower, Comrade Jerry Ago among others as they officially joined the lndependent Grassroot liberators movement.

Addressing the new members during the induction ceremony in warri on Sunday, the group National President, Amb. Mamamu Bene Youkore welcome them with a joyful heart, while admonishing them to follow the doctrines of the body in speaking truth to power without compromise.

He assured the new members of the group's adequate protection in the cause of carrying out their objectives, stressing that IGL ideology is capitalized on constructive criticism of government and political office holders in terms of bad leadership and otherwise.

In his reaction, the National Coordinator of the group, Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, fondly called YCom embraced the newly inducted members with a rousing ovation of the group's commitment in installing peoples oriented servant leaders in elective positions across Delta State.

He noted that lGL is a combination of selfless intellectual new generation young leaders that have distinct themselves in identifying and supporting a credible and people oriented individuals into elective positions beyond party line during election year.

He urged the newly inducted members to follow the group's foundation ideology, adding that lGL mission is to strengthen good governance and reject bad leadership across Delta State in particular, and Nigeria at large.

However, responding on behalf of the newly inducted members, Engr. Gift Imoun Tonlagha popularly known as King of Water Money expressed gratitude to God for opening their eyes to identify with the lndependent Grassroot liberators (IGL), stressing that they will not deviate from the ideology behind the formation of the group.

They pledge ultimate loyalty to the leadership of lGL, adding that their coming to join the formidable group is a win-win battle for the brighter future of the body, he asserted.

In their own contribution, the National Secretary of lGL, Apostle Smart Okosu and the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Boro Ebikake appreciated the leadership of lGL for inducting King of Water Money among others, stressing that the group has come to correct the ills of society as result of bad leadership and maladministration from federal, state and local government.

Ijaw music maestro, Barrister Smooth laments over deplorable state of Orhor/Bomadi road, calls for action by Delta Govt, ljaw leaders

Oyinbi Onduku 

Warri ______ The famous warri born ljaw highlife music maestro cum humanitarian, advocate for good governance and consistent agitator of freedom for self-determination for ljaw nation, Chief. Barrister S Smooth popularly known as the Paddle of Niger Delta has expressed displeasure and dissatisfaction over the deplorable condition of the strategic Orhor/Bomadi road that links ljaw and Urhobo riverine communities in Delta and Bayelsa States.

Smooth made the statement over the weekend while plying the road to perform at a show in Torugbene Town, Burutu local government area of the state regretted the negligence of the Delta State Government to engage a reputable construction giant companies like Julius Berger or Setraco to do a lasting standard job on the road for the people of Bomadi and others instead decided to use unknown company Niger Cat to do a substandard job on the very important project that will not last the test of time.

He expressed disappointment on the ljaw past and present political office holders for not speaking out for the people towards the dualization and speedy completion of the project rather keeping mute in their comfort zones leaving the common man to die daily on the bad Orhor/Bomadi road.

Smooth use this medium to call on ljaw traditional Rulers, political office holders in the House of Reps and Senate, State House of Assembly and local council chairmen to rise up and take drastic action by drawing the attention of the government led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori towards speedy completion of the road for the benefit of the common man in the rural areas who voted him into power, he stated.

Read below full details of the statement:

ORHOR/BOMANDI ROAD, A CALL FOR CONCERN 

Let this be a wake-up call to our perceived leaders in government, that the ORHOR/BOMANDI road being handled by Niger Cat Construction Company is extremely below standard. My experience going through it recently was heartbroken. My curiosity is that, what is Niger Cat? How many roads has Niger Cat done in Delta state? What happened to the big companies like SETRACO and others known for great construction works in Delta state and beyond?

This is why I can't keep my mouth shut, for a real man dies the day he keeps quiet while his people have been enslaved? I can't be a slave to such actions at all. For this is what we see when it comes to Izon matters, always treated as second class, even here in our own state amongst our brothers in the Niger Delta.

To continue with the deception, I saw a stupid white man in the middle of the road as if all is right. Painfully this is one road linking to our rural communities, yet our leaders past and present could not speak of the injustice done to it. Even when we had our own son in the almighty Ministry of Niger Delta. In my silence I cried, who did this to us thinking of the many lives lost on that bad road. 

My heart bleeds when I saw the road with the same political tactics of working without finishing. This is not right. This is wickedness on the parts of our leaders who see this wrong but decided to look the other way.

For this non- challant attitude of employing stupid companies without dignity, we have our Ayakoromo bridge lying there like a woman rejected by her husband. Close to it, is the Gbaregolo bridge cut into two, with the same careless abandoned.

It is my appeal to our leaders in the Senate, House of Reps, locl government Chairman, Kings, and Leaders of Thought to rise up to their responsibilities or history will spite on their graves.

May the spirit of Pa E. K. Clark rise among us!

Freedom is our goal!

I remain Chief Barrister S Smooth, the Paddle  of Niger Delta.

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