Chief Edwin Clark, a well-known leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has passed away at the age of 97.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement released by a family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark. The statement announced that Chief Clark died on Monday, February 17, 2025.
It also expressed the family’s gratitude for prayers and noted that further details would be shared later.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement read in part.
Clark’s passing comes shortly after the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at 96 a few days ago. Both men played important roles in Nigeria’s political history.
In 2022, Clark and Adebanjo attended the Greater Nigeria Conference in Abuja, which focused on supporting a presidential candidate from the Southeast in the 2023 elections. The event was organized by Nzuko Umunna, a global Igbo think tank.
Clark was a strong political figure and an advocate for the Niger Delta region. He was a lawyer, administrator, and nationalist. He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region (1968–1971) and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the old Bendel State (1972–1975).
In 1975, he became Nigeria’s Commissioner for Information, and from 1979 to 1983, he served as a Senator.
Beyond politics, Clark worked to promote peace and unity in Nigeria. He helped resolve conflicts between communities and politicians in the Niger Delta.
Recently, he formed a committee to reconcile Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike. The committee was led by former Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah, and was announced after PANDEF’s General Assembly meeting in Port Harcourt on October 24, 2024.
