Family announces Edwin Clark’s burial arrangements

The family of the late elder statesman and South-South leader, Senator Edwin Clark, has officially announced the burial arrangements for the revered nationalist, who passed away on February 17, 2025, in Abuja.

According to a statement made on Saturday by his eldest son, Mr. Penaowei Clark, the former federal commissioner and Second Republic senator will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in his hometown of Kiagbodo, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

A series of events have been scheduled to celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic Ijaw leader, beginning on Wednesday, May 7, with a memorial lecture at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja, by 11:00 AM.

The detailed burial programme is as follows:

Thursday, May 8: A Valedictory Session in Pa Clark’s honour will hold at the Senate Chamber, Abuja, at 11:00 AM.

Friday, May 9: A Day of Tributes will be held at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja, beginning at 3:00 PM.

Saturday, May 10: A traditional Wrestling Contest will take place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Later that day, a Service of Songs will be held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, by 5:00 PM.

Sunday, May 11: A vibrant Boat Regatta and Port Harcourt Masquerade procession will take place. This will be followed by a Candlelight Memorial in both Yenagoa and Kiagbodo, with a special session also scheduled at No. 43 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Monday, May 12: Events will commence with a Commendation Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, at 8:00 AM. A Valedictory Court Session will follow at the High Court of Justice, Warri, by 10:00 AM. The late leader’s body will then depart Abuja for Yenagoa, where a Commendation Service will be held at Ijaw House from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

Later that day, the body will arrive in Warri and lie in state at No. 5 Swamp Road from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM, before proceeding to Kiagbodo, where a Service of Songs and all-night vigil will take place.

Tuesday, May 13 (Burial Day): The body will lie in state at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. A Commendation Service will follow, with the Funeral Service scheduled for 11:00 AM. A reception will begin at 1:00 PM, while the interment will take place at 5:00 PM, followed by another all-night vigil.

Sunday, May 18: A Thanksgiving Service will be held to conclude the burial rites.

The Clark family expressed profound gratitude for the nationwide support they have received since the passing of their patriarch and warmly invited friends, associates, and the general public to participate in the commemorative events.

Pa Edwin Clark, who dedicated his life to national unity, resource control, and the rights of the Niger Delta, is remembered as a fearless advocate and a guiding voice in Nigerian politics for decades.