Nigeria has lost one of its most influential elder statesmen, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who passed away at the age of 97.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement issued by a representative of the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, Prof. C. C. Clark.
“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,” the statement read.
A respected voice in Nigeria’s political landscape, Clark served as a former Federal Commissioner for Information and was a staunch advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta people, championing resource control and regional development.
His passing comes just three days after the death of another prominent nationalist, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, who died at 96.
Clark’s death marks the end of an era for the Niger Delta struggle and Nigeria’s political history, as tributes pour in from leaders across the country.
