Clark’s exit: Obasanjo, Tompolo, diaspora Ijaw mourn

By Alade Adisa

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC) were among the individuals and groups who mourned the passing of former Federal Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

Obasanjo, in his statement, lamented the depletion of Nigeria’s ranks of patriotic leaders, particularly at such a crucial time when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.

In his condolence message on the passing of Chief Clark, barely four days after the demise of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Obasanjo described the late elder statesman as a great brother and friend, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader.

Obasanjo’s Tribute to Clark

In a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo noted that Clark had an undying love for his people and was one of the most articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for oil-bearing states.

According to the former president:

“I received yet another shocking and sad news of the passing of a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

It was shocking because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious son of Nigeria, just about four days ago. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership are fast depleting, particularly at this crucial stage in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Chief Clark rendered an eventful service to the nation as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State between 1968 and 1974, and his tenure as the official spokesman of the Federal Government in 1975 cannot go unrecognized. I remember him as a close colleague in the Cabinet of General Yakubu Gowon.

As a Senator of the Federal Republic representing the Delta Senatorial Zone in 1983, it is on record that he was in the vanguard of the advocacy for minority rights.”

Obasanjo stressed that Clark remained a fierce advocate for the Niger Delta and its people, urging peace and stability while championing issues of justice, equity, and self-governance.

“Even at an advanced age, Chief Clark never relented in his dedication to national service. In 2021, he willingly joined the Committee for the Goodness of Nigeria (CGN), which was convened by me alongside His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and General Abdusalami Abubakar, to address pressing issues of national unity, security, peace, economic revitalization, and youth empowerment.

There is no doubt that his passing has left a significant void, not only within his family and the Niger Delta region but across Nigeria at large. However, we must be consoled by the fact that Chief Clark lived a life dedicated to public service, integrity, and justice. His legacy will forever be remembered and honored.”

Tompolo’s Tribute to Clark

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), also mourned the passing of Clark, describing him as “a fearless voice for the Niger Delta.”

In his tribute, Tompolo said:

“Nigeria has lost a unique and potent voice from the South-South geopolitical zone—a gift from God. His death has left a leadership vacuum in the country. Chief Clark was a democratic and socio-economic crusader, a strong and irrepressible leader who always spoke truth to power. He was a father to the fatherless, a voice for the voiceless, and a fearless advocate for justice and development in the Niger Delta. We will miss him dearly.”

Tompolo further prayed for God’s strength and comfort for Clark’s family and all those affected by his loss.

Ijaw Diaspora Council’s Tribute

Similarly, the Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC) joined millions of Nigerians in mourning Chief Clark, describing him as “a colossus of justice, a custodian of truth, and a resolute voice against oppression.”

In a statement signed by its President, Prof. Mondy Selle Gold, IDC honored Clark’s unwavering advocacy for justice and self-determination.

“With profound sorrow yet immense gratitude for a life supremely well-lived, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our revered father, leader, and titan of justice, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

The mighty Iroko has fallen, yet its shadow lingers, cast long and firm over the annals of our collective memory. A colossus of justice, a custodian of truth, a resolute voice against oppression—his journey was one of relentless advocacy, profound wisdom, and unyielding commitment to justice, equity, and self-determination.

We recall with reverence our meeting with Chief Clark on August 20, 2024, when he graciously granted the Ijaw Diaspora Delegation, led by Dr. T. J. Bozimo, the esteemed approval to document the biography of Major Isaac Adaka Boro. His dedication to preserving the history of our heroes is a testament to his belief in ensuring that the legacies of our forebears remain intact for future generations.

Today, the drums of the creeks are hushed in solemn reverence. The tides murmur his name in sorrowful tribute. The Niger Delta wails, for a beacon of justice has been extinguished, and an era of titanic statesmanship has drawn to a close.

Though his earthly voyage is now complete, the struggle endures. For those who tread the path of righteousness never truly depart—they become the guiding stars for those who follow. May the celestial tides bear him home with grace, and may the ancestors receive him in a chorus of honor. Rest in power, Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON.”

A Nation Mourns

As Nigeria bids farewell to Chief Edwin Clark, his legacy as a political colossus, fearless activist, and champion of minority rights will remain indelible in the country’s history. His passing signifies the end of an era, but his contributions to national development, democracy, and Niger Delta advocacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

His burial arrangements are yet to be announced by his family.