The remains of elder statesman Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark were laid to rest in his hometown of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, on Tuesday.
The funeral service, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, followed a motorcade arrival and drew dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Attendees included President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore. Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) were also present, alongside Delta Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme and his wife, Ezinne Catherine; former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief Rufus Ada George; Senators Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Ede Dafinone, and Henry Seriake Dickson; and Minister of Regional Development Engr. Abubakar Momoh, among others.
President Tinubu expressed sorrow over Clark’s passing, describing him as a “beacon of courage” for the Niger Delta and Nigeria. “His views on national issues were distinct and patriotic. He believed in a united Nigeria. As an astute politician, even his opponents never doubted his integrity,” Tinubu said.
Former President Jonathan hailed Clark as a “great nationalist” who championed human dignity. “He was a staunch advocate for freedom and national pride… an audacious voice for the voiceless and a steadfast preacher of justice and minority rights,” Jonathan stated, noting Clark’s courage as a federal commissioner and elder statesman.
Senate President Akpabio called Clark a “pan-Nigerian and Pan-African” who fought for minorities. “He stood tall when others bowed for convenience. He belonged to a generation that believed in the eternal cause of freedom,” Akpabio said, affirming that Clark’s legacy would endure in Nigeria’s history.
Governor Oborevwori described Clark as “fearless, vocal, bold, assertive, and unrelenting” in speaking truth to power. “He was the voice of the oppressed in Nigeria’s political space. We have lost a powerful voice in the Niger Delta,” he said, urging unity in the region to continue Clark’s legacy. “We must rally around our leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and remain united… Our Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is one of us. We will continue to support you,” Oborevwori added.
The Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, delivered a homily citing Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is better than riches.” He praised Clark’s integrity, noting his pro bono legal work for the poor. “His dedication to justice and integrity earned him the reputation of a true voice for the Niger Delta,” Odutemu said. He criticised false prophecies in Nigeria, urging repentance and adherence to the values of righteousness, referencing Matthew 6:33.
The sun.ng