Yenagoa Erupts in Tributes as Nigerian Leaders Mourns Elder Statesman Edwin Clark

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By Nwafor Oji Awala 

YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE - A wave of heartfelt tributes swept through Yenagoa on Monday as national and regional leaders converged to honor the late Chief Edwin Clark, the revered Niger Delta elder statesman who passed away at the age of 97. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as dignitaries celebrated a life dedicated to justice, equity, and national unity.


Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Governor Seriake Dickson were among the prominent figures who paid their respects at the commendation service.

Dr. Jonathan lauded Clark as "a rare leader who gave his life to the service of others," emphasizing the importance of unity among the Ijaw people to uphold his enduring legacy. He called for continued dedication to the ideals Clark embodied.


Governor Douye Diri, in his address, praised Clark's unwavering commitment to fairness and justice. In a move to immortalize the late statesman, he announced that the Bayelsa State government would name key landmarks after Clark and other distinguished Ijaw leaders, ensuring their contributions remain etched in the region's history.

Peter Obi, addressing the gathering, remembered Clark as a national figure whose advocacy for the underprivileged transcended ethnic and regional boundaries. "He was a strong voice for equity and unity, and a true patriot," Obi declared, highlighting Clark's impact on the national consciousness.

Senator Seriake Dickson, alongside PANDEF Chairman Dr. Godknows Igali, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and IYC President Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, also paid glowing tributes. They collectively hailed Clark as a fearless voice for the oppressed and a bridge-builder who tirelessly championed the collective good of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The commendation service served not only as a somber farewell but also as a powerful affirmation of the values Clark championed: justice, unity, and the relentless pursuit of a better nation. The event underscored the profound impact of his life and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Nwafor Oji Awala

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