Dignitaries Pay Final Respects as Chief Edwin Clark Laid to Rest in Kiagbodo

Prominent elder statesman and influential Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State. His funeral brought together Nigeria’s political and cultural elite, who gathered to pay tribute to his lasting legacy. Clark passed away earlier this year at the age of 97.

The final burial ceremony, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Kiagbodo, under tight security marking the end of a 12-day program commemorating Clark’s life and legacy. His remains arrived the town in a white casket draped with both the Nigerian and Ijaw flags, symbolizing his enduring role in national and regional advocacy.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Delta State Governor Sheriff and several state governors, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.

Delivering the President’s speech, SGF Akume conveyed President Tinubu’s sorrow over the passing of Chief Clark, stating that he was a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice. Tinubu added the elder statesman was a beacon of courage who spoke for both the Niger Delta and the nation.

Other top figures at the event included Delta State’s Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, alongside his wife, Ezinne Catherine, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and Chief Rufus Ada George.

The burial was preceded by a commedation service at Clark’s residence in Warri on Monday evening, attended by local leaders, representatives of the Ijaw National Congress, and members of various Niger Delta advocacy groups.

Chief Clark, who served as Nigeria’s Federal Commissioner for Information in the mid-1970s, spent decades as a strong advocate for the rights of oil-producing communities. As convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), he played a central role in negotiations on resource control, environmental justice, and political inclusion for the Niger Delta region.

Chief Edwin Clark is survived by children, grandchildren, and a long political lineage that reflects his decades-long influence in Nigerian public life.