Members of Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), an umbrella organization of Urhobo Professionals and Intellectuals, said they were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON.
As contained in a statement signed by Prof. Hope Eghagha, URS President and Dr John Uwa Dr. John Uwa, Gen. Secretary, Chief Clark dedicated his life to championing the fight for equity, good governance, the national question, resource control and fiscal democracy in Nigeria, from when he became a public figure in the 1960s, to Monday, 17th February 2025 when his death was announced.
Below is the full statement:
A CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FOR THE LATE CHIEF (DR.) SEN. EDWIN KIAGBODO CLARK OFR, CON
We, the teaming members of Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), an umbrella organization of Urhobo Professionals and Intellectuals, are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)—Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON, who dedicated his life to championing the fight for equity, good governance, the national question, resource control and fiscal democracy in Nigeria, from when he became a public figure in the 1960s, to Monday, 17th February 2025 when his death was announced. His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to creating a better Nigeria have left an indelible mark on our nation, Niger Delta, Delta State, Ijaw and Urhobo. We are also particularly bereaved because Pa Edwin Clark was unambiguous about the duality of his ethnicity by identifying as both Ijaw and Urhobo of Delta State.
We remember his remarkable life, his wisdom, his generosity of spirit and resoluteness of vision for Nigeria which are so very well-articulated in his autobiography titled Brutally Frank. He was a shining example of selfless leadership, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians and Africans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the nation, his associates, his family, loved ones, and all those who were touched by his extraordinary life.
Fellow country men and women, we use this moment of grieving to advocate the honor of his memory through continuous engagement with his works and ideologies for a more just and equitable society. We admonish his friends, associates and family to find comfort in the knowledge that his unwavering advocacy for true federalism will never be forgotten or extinguished.
We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. May God Almighty, through His beloved son Jesus Christ, grant them the strength and peace they need during this difficult moments.
Signed
Prof. Hope Eghagha Dr. John Uwa
(President URS) (Gen. Secretary URS)