The Traffic

Farewell to a Titan: Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Edwin Clark

Governors, Obi, Ibori, Tompolo, and Others Pay Tribute to the Late Ijaw Leader

By Achimi muktar

The nation is in mourning following the death of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, one of Nigeria’s most formidable voices in the fight for equity, justice, and true federalism. From state governors to political heavyweights like Peter Obi, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, and ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), tributes have poured in for the late Ijaw nationalist.

A Nation’s Loss

Chief Clark, a fearless advocate for the Niger Delta and a vocal critic of systemic injustices, passed away at the age of 96, marking the end of an era of uncompromising activism and leadership. His passing was met with an outpouring of grief from across the country, with leaders describing him as a patriot, a champion of social justice, and an unrelenting fighter for the rights of minority groups.

Governors from the South-South and beyond—including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Bassey Otu (Cross River)—joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in mourning the elder statesman. Other notable figures, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), also paid tribute.

A Legacy of Fearless Advocacy

Governor Oborevwori described Clark as a “model of integrity and patriotic fervor,” emphasizing his role as a teacher, public servant, and politician whose influence spanned six decades. "To the people of the Niger Delta, he was their champion—bold, outspoken, and fearless in crusading for fairness and justice," he said.

Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri echoed these sentiments, lamenting that the Ijaw nation had lost “its father figure and irrepressible voice.” In his honor, Diri ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-mast for three days and suspended government anniversary celebrations.

Rivers State Governor Fubara described Clark as a “courageous leader and a beacon of hope,” while Governor Umo Eno acknowledged his instrumental role in restoring peace in the Niger Delta through the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

Shock and Sorrow from Prominent Figures

Ex-Delta State Governor James Ibori mourned Clark’s death as a “huge void” in Nigeria’s quest for true federalism. Tompolo, in a heartfelt statement, called Clark’s passing a “rude shock,” describing him as a fearless voice who stood unwaveringly for justice. “His death has created a vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership structure. He was a father to the fatherless and a voice for the voiceless,” he said.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also expressed his sadness, stating that Clark remained “vehemently vocal” in his demand for good governance and a new Nigeria built on equity and fairness. "His endorsement of my presidential journey highlights his deep desire for a better Nigeria," Obi noted.

An End of an Era, A Call to Carry On

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and other socio-political groups, including the Ijaw Youth Council and Afenifere, described Clark’s passing as the loss of a national patriarch. “The mighty Iroko tree has fallen,” PANDEF’s statement read, recognizing Clark’s decades-long dedication to justice, equality, and human rights.

As Nigeria grieves, leaders have called for a renewed commitment to the ideals Clark fought for—equity, true federalism, and national unity. Governor Sanwo-Olu urged today’s politicians to learn from Clark’s unwavering dedication, emphasizing that Nigeria must push forward with the values he embodied.

For the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole, Clark’s death is not just the end of an era but a rallying cry for those left behind to continue the fight for justice and fairness. His final chapter has been written, but the story of his impact will live on.