President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori were among the many dignitaries who gathered yesterday to pay their final respects to elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark at his funeral held at St. Paul Anglican Church, Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Other prominent figures at the service included Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senators Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Ede Dafinone, Henry Seriake Dickson, Chief Rufus Ada George, and Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh. The Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme and his wife, Ezinne Catherine, were also in attendance.
President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described Chief Clark as a beacon of courage and a committed nationalist. “Pa Clark was a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice. He believed in a united Nigeria, and even his political opponents never doubted his integrity,” he said.
Former President Jonathan hailed Clark as a fearless patriot and national icon. “Pa Clark was more than a father and leader; he was a bold voice for the voiceless, a champion of justice and minority rights, and a steadfast preacher of inclusivity and good governance,” Jonathan said.
Senate President Akpabio noted that the late elder statesman’s legacy would endure. “He stood tall when others bowed for convenience. His life was a testament to conviction and principles,” he said, affirming the Senate’s appreciation of Clark’s contributions to national development.
Governor Oborevwori described Chief Clark as “fearless, bold, and unrelenting in speaking truth to power.” He praised him for consistently advocating for justice, equity, and improved living standards, especially for the people of the Niger Delta. “We have lost a powerful voice. Pa Clark was the voice of the oppressed. He lived a fulfilled life and left a legacy worth emulating,” Oborevwori said.
He also urged unity among Niger Delta leaders, stressing that collaboration, not division, would drive regional progress. “We must rally around former President Jonathan and remain united to achieve more for our people,” he added.
Delivering a moving homily, the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Cyril Odutemu, drew from Proverbs 22:1 to emphasise that “a good name is better than riches.” He praised Chief Clark’s lifelong commitment to justice, noting that he often used his legal knowledge to serve the poor for free. “Pa Clark was a man of impeccable character and integrity—a true voice of the Niger Delta,” the archbishop said.
Reverend Odutemu also used the occasion to warn against the rise of false prophecies and urged Nigerians to return to righteousness and integrity. Referencing Matthew 6:33, he reminded the congregation of the importance of seeking God first and prioritising values over materialism.
What you should know
Chief Edwin Clark was a revered elder statesman, legal advocate, and political leader who spent decades championing justice, resource control, and national unity.
His funeral drew tributes from Nigeria’s top political figures, all recognizing his unwavering courage, integrity, and dedication to the Niger Delta and the country at large.
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