The burial of late elder statesman and former leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, will take place on May 13, 2025, at his family compound in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. Clark, who passed away on February 17, 2025, was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and an advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta region.
The date was officially announced by his eldest son, Mr. Penaowei Clark, during a press conference held on Saturday at the late South-South leader’s residence in Kiagbodo. Penaowei, a US-based industrialist, was joined by other family members, including Chief Ebikeme Clark, the Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure Development, as well as other notable relatives.
According to Penaowei Clark, the May 13 burial date was finalized after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including government representatives, political associates, religious leaders, and sociocultural organizations.
In a breakdown of the burial events, Penaowei said that a series of ceremonies leading up to the final internment would take place across various locations. On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, there will be a lecture at the NAF Conference Centre & Suite in Abuja at 11:00 AM. The following day, Thursday, May 8, 2025, a Valedictory Session will be held at the Senate Chambers at 11:00 AM.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, a Day of Tribute will take place at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja, at 3:00 PM. The next day, Saturday, May 10, 2025, a Wrestling Contest will be organized in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, alongside a Service of Songs at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, at 5:00 PM.
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, a Boat Regatta, Port Harcourt Masquerade, and Candlelight Memorial will be held in Yenagoa, Kiagbodo, and at his Abuja residence from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
On Monday, May 12, 2025, a Commendation Service will be held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja at 8:00 AM, while a Valedictory Court Session will take place at the High Court of Justice in Warri, Delta State, at 10:00 AM. The body will then depart for Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at 10:30 AM, with a Commendation Service scheduled at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
Following the Yenagoa service, the body will be transported to Warri, Delta State, at 2:30 PM for a lying-in-state event at No. 5, Swamp Road, Warri, from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. At 7:30 PM, the body will proceed to Kiagbodo, where a Service of Songs and all-night vigil will take place.
The final burial service on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, will begin with a lying-in-state at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a Commendation Service from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, with a reception at 1:00 PM. The internment will begin at 5:00 PM, with an all-night vigil to follow. A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Born on May 25, 1927, Chief Edwin Clark was a distinguished Nigerian statesman who served as the Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon’s regime. He also represented the Niger Delta as a Senator during Nigeria’s Second Republic. Clark remained an influential figure in Nigerian politics until his resignation from active politics in recent years.
Beyond his political career, Chief Clark was instrumental in the establishment of Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo and was widely respected for his leadership in the Niger Delta region. He held several traditional titles and was affectionately known as “Gogorogo,” meaning New Power, a title passed down from his great-grandfather, Chief Bekederemo Ogbeni.
