Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information and fearless South-South leader, has died at the age of 97.
The elder statesman passed away on Monday night, February 17, 2025, according to a statement signed by Prof. C.C. Clark on behalf of the family.
Read the statement, “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”.
We recall that Clark’s death comes just days after the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96.
Clark was in his life time a prominent and non-compromise politician. An Iroko of the Nigerian politic who spoke to truth without fear or favour was also a strong voice that confronted governments over bad governance. The life patron of The Nigerian Unity Forum, Clark relentless advocated equity, fairness and justice in politics. He will be missed for his powerful voice advocating for the rights of the Niger Delta. The elder statesman was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter. He was renowned for his advocacy for resource control, fiscal federalism, and the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region earned him both national recognition and respect across Nigeria’s geopolitical divides.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
A bridge builder Clark made popular positions for regional and national unity. He played leading roles in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the South-South Peoples Assembly, and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF).
