By Adejoke Adeleye
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sorrow over the dwindling number of Nigeria’s patriotic leaders, particularly at a time when their wisdom and experience are crucial to the nation’s progress.
In a condolence message following the death of Chief Edwin Clark—barely four days after the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo—Obasanjo described the late statesman as a great brother and friend, a distinguished lawyer, a seasoned economist, a capable administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader.
The message, issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, highlighted Clark’s lifelong commitment to his people and his advocacy for better conditions in oil-producing states.
According to Obasanjo: “I received yet another shocking and sad news of the passing of a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader, Chief Edwin Clark.
“It was shocking because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious son of Nigeria, just about four days ago. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership are fast depleting with the loss of dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities, particularly at this crucial stage in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.”
Obasanjo noted Clark’s remarkable contributions to national development, citing his tenure as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State between 1968 and 1974 and his role as the Federal Government’s official spokesman in 1975. He also recalled Clark’s time as a Senator in 1983, during which he strongly advocated for minority rights.
“Over the years, Chief Clark was imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing states of the country. As one of the foremost leaders of not only the Ijaw people but the South-South zone as a whole, he, until his death, exhorted his people on the imperative of peace and stability in the region,” Obasanjo stated.
He described Clark as a peace-loving, unassuming, and committed patriot who believed in democracy and participatory governance.
“He built for himself an impressive profile of immense goodwill and affection among his people, as a frontline politician and community leader. Nevertheless, his thoughts, utterances, and deeds were completely devoid of political partisanship. He was a detribalized Nigerian and had friends from all over the country,” he added.
Obasanjo recalled Clark’s unwavering commitment to national development, even in his later years.
He highlighted Clark’s involvement in the 2021 Committee for the Goodness of Nigeria (CGN), a group convened to address pressing national issues such as unity, security, peace, economic revitalization, and development.
“For all I knew about him since our paths crossed, Chief Clark never, for once, rested on his oars in exhibiting uncommon courage and commitment to progressive ideals in his contributions to the socio-political development of our country and national discourse,” Obasanjo noted.
Acknowledging the profound loss to the Niger Delta and the entire nation, Obasanjo remarked, “His death must have, of necessity, elicited grief and confoundment in the family, in the Niger Delta region, and among the good people of our great nation, particularly at a time when the country still needed his wealth of experience, wisdom, and counsel.”
Despite the sorrow, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for Clark’s long and impactful life. “We thank God, however, that Chief Clark lived a long and God-fearing life, full of service to Nigeria and its people, and left behind the virtues of hard work and transparency in public life, which are important lessons for both the present and future generations. We should also be consoled by the fact that he lived a life worthy of communal emulation, touched the soul of his community, and is mourned by all.”
He concluded his message with prayers for Clark’s peaceful repose and comfort for his family.
“We pray the Good Lord to grant the soul of Chief Clark a peaceful rest and the Clark family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
