Prince Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF), has described the death of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as a profound loss to Nigeria, yet a glorious conclusion to a monumental chapter in Nigerian history. Abiodun describes the former Federal Commissioner for Information as one of the greatest leaders ever produced by the South-South geopolitical zone of the country and arguably the most engaging voice for for the redressing of decades of exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta peoples, said the exit of the foremost nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, freedom fighter and restructuring advocate marks an era that can never be forgotten.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Abiodun said that whatever sorrow the departure of the foremost Ijaw leader causes has been mitigated by the giant strides he left in various sectors of Nigerian national life, as well as the unimpeachable accomplishments he achieved in approximately 70 years of distinguished national service. He stated: “Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark’s death at the age of 97 marks a watershed moment in Nigerian history. Chief Clark was a symbol of Nigerian history, having lived through the difficulties and successes of the colonial, independent, and post-independence eras, with all of its twists and turns. He served with distinction for about seven decades and was one of the most accomplished voices of daring and progressivism.