By Adesina Wahab

As eminent Nigerians continue to mourn the death of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the Ijaw Elders Forum, Lagos, has sent its condolences to the family for the loss of the late elder statesman.

While paying glowing tributes to the foremost ljaw leader in a release signed by its Chairman, Chief Bukazi Etete,  the forum described the deceased as an astute  politician and a fearless advocate for justice and equity in Nigeria.

The group further lamented that the loss came less than a week after the demise of his fellow compatriot, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group.

The statement reads in part: “The Ijaw Elders Forum, Lagos, mourn the death of our National Leader and voice of the Ijaw Nation, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. OFR,CON.

“The voice of the Ijaw Nation has gone silent. Our chief advocate and minority interest defender has gone to the great beyond.  The strong advocate of minority interest and restructuring is gone. We weep as a people for this great loss but are consoled by the fact that he lived a well fulfilled life as a great national patriot.

“As if in a conspiracy, he departed this world to the great beyond a few days after his soul mate and co-advocate for minority rights and restructuring,  Pa Ayo Adebanjo (The great Afenifere Leader) also departed to the great beyond.

“Pa Clark was a fearless advocate for justice and equity in Nigeria. He was concerned about the sufferings and oppression of the Ijaw and the People of the Niger Delta. He did not mince words in speaking truth to power. He was a strong voice expressing concern about the marginalisation of the Ijaw people and the yoke of oil exploitation, which has devastated the environment of the Niger Delta and ravaged the lives of the people.”

Expressing condolences to the family, the IEF noted that Clark had left an indelible mark in the sand of time and prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.

“IEF celebrate the life and times of this great sage and Patriot. We are encouraged by the inspirational life he lived and the ideals he stood for,” the group added.