Elder Statesman, Edwin Clark Dies at 97

Nigeria’s former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, has passed away at the age of 97.

The family of the Niger Delta political icon confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 signed by the spokesman of the family, Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, announced that he died on the night of Monday, February 17, 2025 in Abuja surrounded by his family.

“With heavy hearts and shock, Prof College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family of Kiagbodo, Burutu LGA of Delta State and the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali, OON, announce the death of the National Elder Statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON.”

“Pa Clark died in Abuja, late in the evening of Monday, 17th February, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones at the age of 97 years.”

Born in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark had his early education in Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene before attending the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka.

He briefly worked as a school teacher before traveling abroad to obtain a law degree. His political career saw him serve in key government roles.

He served as Commissioner for Education in the administration of Military Governor of old Bendel State, Samuel Ogbemudia, and later as Federal Commissioner of Information under the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, all between 1966 and 1975.

He was also a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor, in 1966 before becoming Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.

Clark was the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), where he remained a strong voice for the South-South region until his passing.

Hs family described him in glowingly as “a national patriarch, a renowned lawyer, activist, and politician, Chief Clark was also the leader of the people of the South-South region of Nigeria and the Ijaw ethnic nationality, in particular. He founded PANDEF, South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBL), amongst many others”.

“Pa Clark was indeed a towering figure in our Nigeria for over 75 years of active public service known for his tireless advocacy for justice, equality, and human rights. His contributions to the legal profession, politics, community development, and the educational sector where he founded several universities are immeasurable.”