President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of National Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark, who died on Monday, aged 97 years.
His demise was announced in a statement released by his family on Tuesday morning.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“Born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, late Clark attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka. Thereafter, he worked briefly as a schoolteacher before traveling abroad to earn a law degree.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, mourned the transition to the great beyond of a real patriot.
The president noted that the Ijaw leader was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic,” Tinubu said.
“As an astute politician, Clark’s political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke.
“History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.
“I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”
