Edwin Clark, an elder statesman and the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has died. Clark, 97, died on Monday.
Prof. C. C. Clark, a family spokesman, revealed on Tuesday that the former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader had died.
According to the statement which reads “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, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark was a leading voice for regional and national unity. He was also known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.
Last October, he tried to reconcile Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his erstwhile political godfather Nyesom Wike by setting up a committee headed by former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Pandef BOT.
Clark’s death came just four days after that of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group.
Both leaders were well-known for their contributions to the country’s political development.
The late elder statesman joined other nationalists in the Greater Nigeria Conference, which was convened in Abuja in 2022 to discuss the selection of the next Nigerian President from the South-East.
In November 2023, they, together with other notable thinkers, renewed calls for the country’s reform to establish a real federal system.
They called for the adoption and full implementation of the 2014 National Conference report, arguing that that document contains the antidote to the political and socio-economic problems confronting the country.
