By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
Nigeria’s political and religious leaders converged on the riverside town of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday to pay their final respects to the late elder statesman and Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, whose life and legacy were celebrated at a moving funeral service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, led the tributes, describing the late nonagenarian as a “passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice.”
“Pa Clark was a beacon of courage who spoke for the Niger Delta and the nation. His views on national issues were distinct and patriotic. Even his political opponents never questioned his integrity,” Tinubu stated.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, described the deceased as “a great nationalist and audacious voice for the voiceless.”
“Whether as a federal commissioner or elder statesman, Pa Clark remained fearless in advocating for justice, equity, and good governance. He validated human dignity and championed national pride,” Jonathan said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called Clark “a pan-Nigerian and Pan-African icon” who stood tall in the defence of minority rights and national unity.
“Pa Clark belonged to a generation that believed in freedom and justice. He never bowed for convenience and left behind a legacy of conviction and courage,” Akpabio remarked.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, praised Clark as a fearless voice for the Niger Delta and the oppressed.
“Pa Clark was bold, assertive, and relentless in speaking truth to power. He fought for food security, quality education, public safety, and healthcare. We have lost a powerful voice,” Oborevwori said.
He called for unity among Niger Delta leaders to sustain the legacy Clark left behind, urging the region to rally behind former President Jonathan and Senate President Akpabio.
“When we allow division through personal sentiments, we hinder our collective progress. Let us stay united and continue to build on what Pa Clark fought for,” he added.
Among the dignitaries present were Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi. Also in attendance were Delta’s Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme and his wife, former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Rufus Ada George, Senators Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Ede Dafinone, and Henry Seriake Dickson, as well as Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh.
Delivering the homily, the Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of the Bendel Province of the Anglican Communion, described the late elder statesman as “a man of impeccable character and unwavering integrity.”
“Pa Clark was a champion of justice who used his legal skills to defend the vulnerable, often without charge. He lived for the people and left behind a name that is worth more than riches,” the Archbishop said, referencing Proverbs 22:1.
He warned against the rise of false prophecies and called for a return to the values of Nigeria’s founding fathers. “We bring nothing into this world and take nothing out. Let us seek God’s kingdom and strive for righteousness,” he urged.
Chief E.K. Clark, who passed away at the age of 96, was the founder of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a former Federal Commissioner for Information, and an unwavering advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta people.
His burial marked the end of an era, but also the rebirth of a vision that many say must now be carried forward by a new generation of leaders inspired by his courage, clarity, and conscience.