More tributes have been coming to celebrate the life and time of Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, which happened in the early hours of Tuesday. The latest messages are from the 2024 Edo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo; and the Urhobo Leadership Forum Abuja.
In a statement in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday, Ighodalo described the late leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum as ‘a colossus and a man of unshakeable convictions whose life was a relentless fight for equity, resource control, and the true emancipation of the Niger Delta’.
According to him, ‘Nigeria has been dealt yet another heavy blow in the passing of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who was an irrepressible pillar of leadership, a fearless advocate for justice, and one of the most formidable voices for the Niger Delta and the Nigerian federation.
‘For over six decades, he stood at the frontline of Nigeria’s political evolution, refusing to be silenced in the face of injustice.
‘Nigeria has lost yet another giant, and I have lost another father figure, a mentor, a friend, and a guiding force. Chief Edwin Clark was a man of immense wisdom, a fearless statesman, who never backed down from speaking truth. He carried the hopes and dreams of his people on his shoulders and fought every battle with courage and resilience.
‘His vision for Nigeria—a nation of fairness, inclusivity, and genuine federalism—must not be abandoned’.
The technocrat-turned-politician recalled that ‘as a minister, statesman, and elder of the Ijaw nation, Chief Clark dedicated his life to fighting for resource justice, national unity, and the political rights of marginalized communities. His voice resonated far beyond the Niger Delta, shaping the course of Nigerian history with an integrity that remained intact through decades of shifting political tides.
‘His passion for the Niger Delta and his determination to ensure that the region received its due was second to none. He fought tirelessly for fairness in resource allocation, for development, and for the recognition of his people’s sacrifices to the nation. But beyond that, he was a true nationalist—he wanted a Nigeria where every region, every ethnic group, and every citizen was treated with equal dignity’.
Ighodalo added that the late nonagenarian ‘was a man of remarkable courage, unafraid to challenge power when the interest of the people was at stake. His unwavering stance on national issues made him one of the last great uncompromising voices of truth and reason.
‘He was bold, he was fearless, and he was unwavering in his beliefs. He stood for justice when it was unpopular, and he remained steadfast even when others faltered. Nigeria may not have always listened, but history will vindicate him’.
He called on leaders, especially the younger generation, to learn from Clark’s indomitable spirit. ‘The loss of Chief Clark, coming so soon after the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, deepens an aching void in Nigeria’s conscience. We are losing the rearguard of the fearless generation—men who fought without compromise, who carried the burden of this country on their backs, and who refused to waver in their principles. It is now up to us to ensure that their legacy does not die with them.
‘Though his voice has gone silent, his messages must continue to echo through the corridors of power, urging the nation toward equity, progress, and true democracy.
‘Rest without fear, Chief. Your work on this earth is done, but your legacy will live forever’, Ighodalo said.
In mourning Clark’s death the Urhobo Leadership Forum Abuja said that he ‘symbolised the struggle of the Niger Delta people, and in the last 30 years of his life, became a powerful voice, reminding citizens and government of how far we have strayed from the federalist vision’.
According to a statement by its President, Olorogun Peter Igho, the Urhobo Leadership Forum Abuja recalled that Clark ‘rallied relentlessly for fairness and equity without ever losing faith in a strong and united Nigeria’.
The statement further eulogised the former leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum: ‘He kept leaderships under jealous scrutiny and even though his language was often vivid, his earnestness conveyed no malice. What he pursued was ethical governance and was not afraid of making enemies in the process.
‘He served our country in various incarnations: as a lawyer; as an advocate; as a regionalist champion; as a foremost leader of his race and as fighter for justice. In a land where veneration seems to have replaced honest questioning, the challenging voice of this sage will be sorely missed.
‘We at the Urhobo Leadership Forum Abuja have associated closely with him over the years. We salute his life and courage, his wisdom and contributions to our forum, the Niger Delta and our national life at different levels.
‘We commiserate with his immediate family and the Bekederomo dynasty of Kiagbodo, his lineage of Urhobo, Isoko and Itsekiri Nations and the entire Niger Delta region.
‘May his exemplary life of selfless service serve as beacon of hope for generations and generations unborn’.
