The South-South region is in mourning following the passing of two legendary figures, Pa Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, within the span of a single week. Their deaths have left a profound void in the struggle for justice, democracy, and resource control in Nigeria.
A Voice for the Oppressed
The South-South Elders Forum has described Pa Clark’s passing as a monumental loss, lamenting that it would be difficult to find another leader with his level of dedication to human rights and regional development.
National Coordinator of the South-South Elders Forum, Anabs Saro-Igbe, paid tribute to Pa Clark’s relentless advocacy for the rights of Niger Delta communities, particularly in shaping policies such as the Petroleum Industry Bill. He credited Clark’s insistence on true democracy as a key factor in preventing Rivers State from being controlled by political godfathers.
“Niger Delta has lost a rare gem. He was a fearless voice who spoke to power without fear or favor. His efforts led to the agitation that produced Nigeria’s first South-South president, Goodluck Jonathan,” Saro-Igbe said.
Ijaw Nation in Deep Mourning
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) echoed these sentiments, with its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, emphasizing that Clark was more than just a regional leader—he was a national figure who championed the rights of oppressed minorities across Nigeria.
“Pa Clark could not be manipulated. He was a truth-teller who stood firmly for the restructuring of the country and equal rights for all,” Oyakemeagbegha said.
As the Chairman of the INC Board of Trustees until his passing, Clark’s influence shaped the direction of Niger Delta advocacy. His legacy, particularly in the fight for resource control and the implementation of the Willink’s Commission report, remains a guiding light for activists in the region.
A Towering Iroko Tree Falls
Renowned South-South activist Ann-Kio Briggs described Pa Clark as the “greatest Iroko tree” of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta. She spoke emotionally about his mentorship, revealing how he instilled in her the values of truth and fearlessness.
“PANDEF was his vision, one that many of us could not initially see. But he handed it over in his lifetime, a testament to his great leadership. We owe it to him to continue the fight for democracy, justice, and resource control,” she said.
Briggs emphasized that Rivers State will forever be indebted to Pa Clark for his unwavering stance in ensuring the state was not controlled by external influences. She called on PANDEF leaders to honor his legacy by continuing his advocacy for a fairer and more just Nigeria.
A Nation Mourns Two Giants
Veteran journalist Clarice Azuatulam reflected on the timing of both Pa Clark and Pa Adebanjo’s passing, calling it a great loss for Nigeria’s democratic movement.
“Only God knows why these two great men had to leave us at this time. But one thing is certain—Nigeria, especially the true democrats, will deeply miss them,” she said.
As the nation grapples with the loss of these two icons, their legacies of fearlessness, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire future generations. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the causes they fought for—regional autonomy, democracy, and fairness—remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s political discourse.
