Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the dwindling ranks of Nigeria’s patriotic and visionary leaders, whose wisdom and experience, he said, are needed now more than ever.
Obasanjo made this statement in a condolence message following the passing of Ijaw national leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, who died at 97 on Monday night.
Clark’s death comes just four days after the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, at 96.
In a tribute conveyed through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described Clark as a close friend, brother, and tested administrator who remained steadfast in his advocacy for the rights and welfare of the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta, and the South-South region.
“I received yet another shocking and sad news of the passing of a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader, Chief Edwin Clark.
“It was shocking because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious son of Nigeria, just about four days ago. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership are fast depleting, particularly at this crucial stage in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.”
Obasanjo highlighted Clark’s extensive contributions to Nigeria’s development, including his service as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State between 1968 and 1974, and later as Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration.
“As a senator representing Delta in 1983, he was at the forefront of advocating for minority rights. Over the years, Chief Clark remained a tireless champion of improved conditions for the oil-producing states.
“As a leader of the Ijaw people and the South-South region, he continuously emphasized the need for peace and stability. He was a peace-loving, unassuming, and committed patriot who firmly believed in democracy and participatory governance.
“Despite his age, Chief Clark never relented in contributing to national development. In 2021, he volunteered to be part of the Committee for Goodness of Nigeria (CGN), which I convened alongside His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and General Abdusalami Abubakar, to address pressing issues of national unity, security, peace, and economic revitalization.”
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Obasanjo described Clark as a detribalized Nigerian who maintained friendships across the country, noting that his thoughts, words, and actions transcended political partisanship.
“His passing is an immense loss not only to his family and the Niger Delta but to the entire nation, especially at a time when Nigeria still needs his wisdom and counsel. However, we take solace in the fact that he lived a long, impactful life of service, leaving behind invaluable lessons of hard work and transparency in public life.
“We pray that God grants his soul eternal rest and gives the Clark family the strength to bear this great loss,” Obasanjo concluded.