Bursting with the swagger of a man who fearlessly wrestled dictators and oil giants, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark—the Ijaw lion, political maverick, and “Father of the Niger Delta Struggle”—took his final bow on February 17, 2025. At 97, his exit didn’t just silence a voice; it dimmed a blazing torch for justice that lit up Nigeria’s darkest corridors of power. From the mangrove-rich creeks of Kiagbodo to the hallowed halls of Abuja, Clark’s life was a Nollywood-worthy epic of grit, grease, and glory.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 25, 1927, in the modest Ijaw community of Kiagbodo in present-day Delta State, Edwin Clark’s early years were imbued with both the hardships and aspirations of his people. His educational journey took him from Effurun to Okrika and Afugbene, laying the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to public service. He later enrolled at the Government Teacher Training College—an institution that would eventually evolve into Delta State University, Abraka.
Clark’s relentless pursuit of knowledge eventually led him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a law degree at Holborn College. This academic achievement was not merely for personal advancement but a calculated step in preparing him for the political battles that lay ahead.
Political Career: A Life of Leadership
“Politics na war without blood,” Clark once famously remarked, and few navigated its terrain with the strategic acumen he displayed. His political journey began in 1953 as a councillor for Bomadi—a role that belied his rapidly growing influence. Within the ranks of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), he honed his political skills amid the turbulence of the pre-independence era.
Even during the restrictive military era, from 1966 to 1975, Clark continued to thrive. Serving as an adviser to General Yakubu Gowon and forging critical relationships with military leaders such as Samuel Ogbemudia, then governor of the Mid-Western Region, he solidified his position as a key political figure.
In 1975, his appointment as Federal Commissioner of Information propelled him to national prominence. A visionary in every sense, Clark played a pivotal role in the establishment of what would later become the University of Benin, leaving a lasting legacy on countless young minds.
Ijaw Leadership and the Niger Delta Struggle
In his later years, Clark emerged as an uncompromising advocate for his people, his voice resonating powerfully amid the tensions over resource control in the Niger Delta during the 1990s. At press conferences, his impassioned declarations—”Wetìn we want na simple—give us our fair share,” he would assert, with his walking stick emphasizing his words—captured the plight of a region rich in oil yet impoverished in opportunity.
While some critics branded him as divisive, his supporters saw him as the last true patriot. In 2016, defying expectations for his age, Clark co-founded the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), rallying a formidable coalition to advocate for restructuring and sustainable development in a long-neglected region.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Education
Beyond his political endeavors, those who knew Clark on a personal level recalled a man of profound compassion and dedication. His passion for education led him to engage in numerous philanthropic activities, culminating in the establishment of Edwin Clark University in 2015—a lasting tribute to his commitment to empowering future generations.
Tributes to a Statesman
News of his passing elicited heartfelt tributes across Nigeria. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described him as a “great brother, friend, a frontline lawyer, and seasoned economist,” acknowledging his substantial contributions to national discourse.
Pastor and blogger Isaiah Ogedegbe lauded Clark as “a patriotic Nigerian known for his boldness and truthfulness at all times,” emphasizing his unwavering dedication to the people.
Final Thoughts
As Nigeria mourns Edwin Clark, many wonder if his kind will ever grace our political landscape again—leaders who speak without calculating the cost, who stand firm when compromise seems expedient, who remain loyal to principles rather than personalities.
In an era of carefully curated political personas and strategic ambiguity, Clark’s straightforward approach seems almost anachronistic. He belonged to a generation that believed words should have weight and promises should be kept—revolutionary concepts in today’s political climate.
The waters of the creeks may be still today, but the ripples of Clark’s advocacy continue to spread. His voice, though silenced, echoes in every conversation about resource control, true federalism, and justice for marginalized communities.
Rest in power, Baba Clark. The Niger Delta will never forget its most defiant son.
“Some people die but never truly leave us. Their spirit lingers in the causes they championed and the lives they touched.” — Nigerian proverb