By Ayo Kehinde
Elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has passed away at the age of 97.
A statement issued on behalf of the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, confirmed that the ex-senator died on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Signed by his brother, Prof. C. C. Clark, and son, Penawei Clark, the statement read, “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, February 17, 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark had his early education in Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene before attending the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka.
He started his career as a teacher before traveling to London, where he obtained a law degree from Holborn College.
Clark’s political career began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor for Bomadi.
He later joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). In 1966, he was appointed a member of the advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor. By 1975, he was named Federal Commissioner for Information.
Over the years, Clark held several key positions, including Federal Commissioner for Education and later Finance in the Mid-Western Region.
As Commissioner for Education, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Mid-West College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.
In 1983, he briefly served as a senator during the twilight of the Shagari administration.
From 1996, he emerged as a strong voice for the Ijaw nation, leading several delegations to advocate for the interests of the Niger Delta.
Until his passing, Clark was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a group dedicated to promoting the development of the Niger Delta region.
