Late Clark’s voice loud in agitations for restructured Nigeria — Fasoranti

The National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on Tuesday, expressed shock at the passing of one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

Fasoranti, who is also the Asiwaju of Yoruba, expressed his condolences following the announcement of Pa Clark’s death. According to a family source, Chief Clark died on the evening of Monday, February 17, 2024. He was 97.

In his condolence message, Afenifere leader Fasoranti described Clark as a great man who would be remembered for his fearlessness and his knack for ‘saying it as he saw it.’

A statement by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, quoted Fasoranti as saying that lovers of democracy, particularly advocates of restructuring, would sorely miss the former Commissioner for Information.

“Since the need to ensure that Nigeria serves the best interests of the vast majority became more pertinent, my brother, Chief Edwin Clark, was a very strong advocate. His voice was loud in the agitations for a restructured Nigeria. He always displayed the same strong passion on national issues, especially those that affected the South-South.”

Fasoranti stated that it grieved his heart to mourn another compatriot just a few days after the death of the erstwhile acting leader of Afenifere and a comrade-in-arms, Chief Ayodele Adebanjo.

READ ALSO: Tribute to Titan: Shettima mourns Pa Adebanjo

“Of course, we know that death is inevitable for all mortals, but it can be heart-rending and painful to be losing one’s comrades in succession. On behalf of Afenifere and fellow compatriots, I condole with the immediate and extended families of our late patriot, Chief Edwin Clark, the people of Delta State, and the people of the South-South generally on his demise.”

Until his death at age 97, Clark was the Leader of the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), formed by ethnic nationalities from the Middle Belt, South-South, South-East, and South-West of Nigeria. Afenifere, representing the South-West, was a founding member of the organization. Indeed, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of Afenifere, was the Deputy Chairman of SMBLF before his death last Friday.

The Afenifere leader enjoined those Clark left behind, including members of the SMBLF, not to grieve too much but to take solace in the fact that the late chairman made remarkable contributions to the organization, the South-South region, and Nigeria.