Oborevwori Mourns Edwin Clark
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing his death as “the end of a great era.”
Clark, a foremost leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the South-South Peoples Assembly, and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), passed away on Monday night at the age of 97.
In a condolence message to the Clark family and the Ijaw nation, Oborevwori, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the late elder statesman’s life as one of remarkable service to Nigeria, particularly in advancing the interests of the South-South region.
“Today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model, Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, OON, an icon whose influence traversed Nigeria’s political scene for six decades,” Oborevwori said. “Teacher, educator, public servant, and politician, Chief Clark was a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause, and patriotic fervor.”
The governor praised Clark for his fearless advocacy for fairness, equity, and justice in the Niger Delta, describing him as a resolute champion of the region’s development. “To the people of the Niger Delta, he was their champion. Bold, outspoken, and fearless, he stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity, and justice for the region,” he noted.
Beyond his political contributions, Oborevwori revealed that Clark was a mentor and father figure to him. “His exit is also a personal loss; he was a motivator, mentor, and father to me. I will miss his wisdom, counsel, and zest for life,” he added.
On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, Oborevwori extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, the people of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area, and the entire Ijaw nation. “We can all take solace in the saying that Chief Clark came, he saw, and he conquered,” he said.
Reflecting on Clark’s immense legacy, the governor acknowledged his contributions as a lawyer, administrator, and nationalist who remained steadfast in advocating for the rights of the Niger Delta people. “His passing, coming a few days after the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, is truly the end of a great era,” Oborevwori remarked.
He prayed for the repose of Clark’s soul, stating, “May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
