By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
GOVERNORS DAPO Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF), and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori have respectively mourned the death of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, at the age of 97.
The governors noted that with his death, the struggled for resource control, environmental justice, and equity in the Niger Delta has lost one of its most vocal champions.
His death signals the close of a historic chapter in Nigeria’s political landscape, one shaped by his decades-long fight against the marginalisation of his people and his unwavering push for national unity and restructuring, they admitted.
Governor Abiodun described Clark’s passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria, highlighting his immense contributions to the country’s political and social fabric.
He noted that while his death brings sorrow, his legacy in fighting for justice and national development remains a guiding light.
Also, Clark’s influence spanned multiple generations, with his role as a nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, and advocate for good governance leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
His leadership in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the South-South Peoples Assembly, and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) made him one of the most respected voices in the nation.
Reflecting on Clark’s service, Abiodun recounted his pivotal role during the pre-independence era, beginning in 1953 when he was elected as a councillor in Bomadi.
His legal studies at Holborn College, London, and involvement in the West African Students’ Union shaped his lifelong commitment to political activism.
He later served as an adviser to Mid-Western Region Governor David Ejoor, a cabinet member under Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia, and as Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon in 1975.
One of his lasting contributions came as Commissioner for Education, where he championed the establishment of the Mid-West College of Technology, which later evolved into the University of Benin.
His dedication to education extended further with the founding of Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
In his words, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also expressed his condolences, recognising Clark as an unwavering advocate for the Niger Delta. Oborevwori commended his relentless efforts in pushing for fairness, equity, and development, noting that his fearless stance made him a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
Until his final days, Clark remained a steadfast advocate for national restructuring and regional autonomy.
His numerous letters to government authorities, addressing issues affecting Nigeria’s stability, underscored his commitment to democratic ideals.
His death follows closely on the heels of the passing of another elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, marking a period of significant transition in Nigeria’s socio-political sphere.
The Niger Delta and the nation at large will remember him as a man who lived through the country’s defining moments and shaped its discourse for over seven decades.
Chief Edwin Clark’s passing leaves a void in Nigeria’s political space, but his legacy of courage, advocacy, and service will continue to inspire future generations, Governor Oborevwori noted.
