The town of Kiagbodo in Delta State was filled with cultural pride and national reverence on Tuesday as prominent Nigerians gathered to honor the late elder statesman and Ijaw nationalist, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

Clark, who died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97, was laid to rest in his hometown following a series of traditional and interfaith ceremonies. His white casket, draped in the Nigerian and Ijaw national flags, was received with full honors.

Among those present were former President Goodluck Jonathan and Dame Patience Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom). Federal lawmakers and other top government officials, including SGF George Akume, also attended.

Ijaw cultural performances and tributes from leaders of the Ijaw National Congress and Ijaw Youth Council celebrated Clark’s legacy as a fearless advocate for the Niger Delta. A solemn service was held earlier at his Warri residence.

Born in 1927, Clark was a former Federal Commissioner for Information and founder of both the Edwin Clark Foundation and Edwin Clark University. He was a prominent voice in Nigerian politics and the convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).