Prominent Nigerians Gather to Pay Final Tributes to Edwin Clark in Yenagoa

 On May 12, 2025, Nigeria’s political elite, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, converged in Yenagoa for the lying-in-state and commendation service of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered Ijaw leader and Pan-Niger Delta icon who passed away on March 11, 2025, at 97. The ceremony, held at the Bayelsa State Government House, marked a solemn farewell to a statesman whose advocacy for Niger Delta rights shaped Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

Clark, born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, was a former Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon and a vocal champion of Ijaw and Niger Delta interests. His leadership in the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and his role in securing amnesty for Niger Delta militants in 2009 were pivotal in fostering peace and development in the region. The event saw tributes from governors like Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori and Edo’s Godwin Obaseki, who praised Clark’s unwavering commitment to equity and resource control. Jonathan highlighted Clark’s mentorship, noting his influence in shaping his political career, particularly during his presidency from 2010 to 2015.

The commendation service featured cultural displays by Ijaw groups, reflecting Clark’s deep ties to his heritage. Attendees included traditional rulers, such as the Pere of Akugbene-Mein, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, underscoring Clark’s national stature. Diri announced a state funeral, with burial scheduled for May 15 in Kiagbodo, and declared a three-day mourning period in Bayelsa. Clark’s legacy includes his push for constitutional reforms, including true federalism, and his criticism of policies marginalizing the Niger Delta, notably during the 2014 National Conference.

His passing has sparked discussions about the future of Niger Delta advocacy, with calls for younger leaders to sustain his vision. Clark’s family, led by his son, Professor Tarila Clark, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to education, having served as a headmaster before entering politics. The ceremony, attended by over 2,000 dignitaries, reinforced Clark’s enduring impact, with plans for a national memorial in Abuja to honor his contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.