The family of the late elder statesman and former leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has announced that his burial will take place on May 13, 2025, in his hometown, Kiagbodo, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The announcement was made by his eldest son, Mr. Penaowei Clark, during a press conference held on Saturday at the family residence in Kiagbodo. Penaowei, a United States-based industrialist, was joined by other family members, including the Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark, and their older sister.
According to Mr. Clark, the date was chosen after extensive consultations with government representatives, political associates, religious bodies, and socio-cultural organisations.
The week-long funeral programme will begin on Wednesday, May 7, with a public lecture at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja, scheduled for 11 a.m.
A valedictory session will take place on Thursday, May 8, at the Senate Chambers by 11 a.m., while a day of tribute will be held on Friday, May 9, at the same NAF venue by 3 p.m.
On Saturday, May 10, a wrestling contest will be held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and a service of songs is scheduled for 5 p.m. at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.
Sunday, May 11, will feature a boat regatta, Port Harcourt masquerade display, and candlelight memorials in Yenagoa, Kiagbodo, and at his Abuja residence from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A commendation service will hold on Monday, May 12, at the National Christian Centre in Abuja by 8 a.m., while a simultaneous valedictory court session will take place at the High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta State, at 10 a.m.
Chief Clark’s body will depart Abuja for Yenagoa at 10:30 a.m., where a commendation service will be held at Ijaw House from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. It will then move to Warri for a lying-in-state at No. 5, Swamp Road, between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. From there, the body will proceed to Kiagbodo for a night vigil.
On Tuesday, May 13, a lying-in-state will take place at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, by 10 a.m., followed by a commendation service at 10:30 a.m. and a funeral service at 11 a.m. A reception will be held at 1 p.m., and interment will follow at 5 p.m., alongside an all-night vigil.
The funeral rites will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Chief Edwin Clark, born on May 25, 1927, served as Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon and was a senator during the Second Republic. He remained a vocal figure in national affairs until his passing on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.
