Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a distinguished Nigerian statesman and fervent advocate for the Niger Delta region, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.
His family announced his demise in a statement signed by his brother, Prof. C.C. Clark, and his son, Penawei Clark, stating, “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.”
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark’s early education began at the African Church School, Effurun Otor, in 1938.
He furthered his studies at various institutions in Okrika before attending the Government Teacher Training College, Abraka, from 1949 to 1953.
His professional journey commenced as a headmaster in several schools between 1955 and 1957, after which he served as an Assistant Community Development Officer until 1961. Pursuing a legal career, Clark studied at Holborn College of Law from 1961 to 1964.
Clark’s political career was marked by significant contributions at both regional and federal levels.
In 1966, he was appointed as a Special Adviser to the Military Governor of the Mid-Western Region.
He later served as Commissioner for Education from 1968 to 1971, during which he played a pivotal role in establishing the Midwest Institute of Technology, now known as the University of Benin.
Subsequently, he held the position of Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975. At the federal level, Clark was appointed Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 and was elected as a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his official roles, Clark was a prominent voice for regional and national unity. He led several organizations, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the South-South Peoples Assembly, and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF).
His unwavering advocacy for resource control, fiscal federalism, and the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region earned him national recognition and respect across Nigeria’s geopolitical divides.
In addition to his political endeavors, Clark was a philanthropist and educationist. He founded the Edwin Clark Foundation and established the Edwin Clark University in his hometown of Kiagbodo in 2015, aiming to provide quality education and foster development in the region.
Clark’s passing closely follows the death of another elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96. The nation mourns the loss of these two influential leaders, whose contributions have significantly shaped Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
As the nation reflects on Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark’s legacy, his lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and the betterment of the Niger Delta region remains a testament to his enduring impact on Nigeria’s history.
