Chief Edwin Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and a prominent advocate for regional and national unity, has passed away at the age of 97.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday by a family representative, Professor C. C. Clark.

In an official statement, the family announced:

“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025. The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Further details will be communicated in due course.”

A respected statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Clark was known for his efforts in mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta.

In October 2024, he set up a committee to reconcile Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political ally, Nyesom Wike. The committee was chaired by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, who also serves as Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.

Clark’s passing comes just four days after the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group. Both elder statesmen were influential figures in Nigeria’s political landscape.

In 2022, they joined other national figures at the Greater Nigeria Conference in Abuja to deliberate on the emergence of a Nigerian President from the South-East. In November 2023, alongside other prominent leaders, they renewed calls for the restructuring of the country and the full implementation of the 2014 National Conference report, which they believed held solutions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic challenges.