Edwin Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader, has passed away at the age of 97.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Edwin Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader, has passed away at the age of 97.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader died on Monday night, according to a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark on behalf of the family.
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“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,” the statement read.
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Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, an Ijaw community in present-day Delta State, Pa Clark was a Nigerian statesman, Ijaw leader, and politician who played a significant role in the country’s political landscape.
He worked with the military administrations of Governor Samuel Ogbemudia and Head of State General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975.
In 1975, he was appointed Federal Commissioner for Information, a role equivalent to today’s Minister of Information.
During the short-lived Nigeria’s Second Republic, he was elected as a senator in 1983 but served for only three months before the President Shehu Shagari administration was overthrown in a military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari.
He founded the Edwin Clark Foundation and established Edwin Clark University in his hometown in 2015.
His political journey started in 1953 when he was elected Councillor for Bomadi. He later joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
Since 1996, he had been a self-proclaimed leader of the Ijaw people and was actively involved in advocating for their interests.
Edwin Clark’s passing follows the recent death of Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo, who died at 96.
Both elder statesmen were known for their contributions to the development of the country and their stands on some national issues such as true federalism and restructuring among others.
