By Ambrose Ologide.
The eldest child of Late Chief ( Pa ) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark , Mrs Rebecca Clark- Okorodudu has disclosed that her father was to publish a book titled: ‘ The True Owners Of Warri ‘ .
She made the disclosure when a powerful delegation of HRM Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi 11, Atanerhu 1, the Ovie of Agbarha Warri Kingdom and members of the prestigious Agbarha Warri League paid the
family of the late resposory of history , a condolence visit at Kiagbodo, in Burutu Local Government Area on Monday 25th March, 2025.
Clark – Okorodudu who disclosed that the ancient Urhobo Kingdom of Agbarha Warri featured prominently in the said book , assured that the book will be published shortly after the burial of her late father and that this will be followed up with the publication of part 2 of the historic book.
She gladly remarked that most
battles which her father fought were not his personal battles , but battles for the oppressed.
Mrs Rebecca Clark-Okorodudu stated that she once remembered her late father saying that ‘ I will continue to fight for the oppressed .
That is probably why God is preserving my life ‘
She also proudly disclosed that her late father fought battles for the oppressed across Niger Delta Region and other parts of the country.
Mrs Rebecca Clark-Okorodudu also stated that she was glad to know that people appreciated her father’s fights for equal rights and justice.
She further expressed delight to know that the Ovie of Agbarha Warri HRM Kingsley Orereh Atanerhu 1 Igbi 11 is maternally from the ancient Ijaw community of Isaba in Warri South West Local Government Area .
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of Agbarha Warri Traditional Council, Chief ( Pa ) Willie Atabefia Digbori ( JP ) and the Otota ( Spokesman of the great Agbarha Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Ememu (JP) had in a speech ( by Chief Ememu ) and in a written address ( by High Chief Digbori) affirmed that they were sent by the highly respected Agbarha Warri monarch HRM Igbi 11 to pay the condolence visit in recognition of the cordial relationship between the late elder statesman and Agbarha Warri Kingdom.
They also applauded and appreciated late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark for being among those that championed the cause of the Warri Urhobos particularly at the judicial panels of inquiry on the infamous Warri ethnic crisis.
They remarked that the late sage was a peace maker who settled disputes without violence .
They were also full of praises for late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark for the establishment of a university which they said will attracts positive developments to Niger Delta Region.
They also hailed Late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark for being among those that championed the cause of resource control for Niger Delta at his age.
They then acknowledged that the demise of the late sage was not only a big loss to the Ijaw Nation but also to Warri Urhobos .
They however urged the family of the late elder statesman to take solace in the fact that their father left a legacy that is worthy of emulation as they urged the children and family of Late Chief ( Pa ) Clark to live by his legacy.
Digbori and Ememu also stated the preparedness of Agbarha Warri people to partake in the burial ceremonies of Late Chief ( Pa)Edwin Kiagbodo Clark .
Making his presentation, the president of Agbarha Warri foremost socio – cultural organization, Agbarha Warri League, Mr Joseph Ugbejevun proudly and gladly disclosed that late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a patron of the 41 years old socio-cultural organization right from its inception since Sunday 26th August, 1984 .
Ugbejevun explained that it was the league ‘ s constitutional obligation to pay the visit.
A letter of tribute on the late patron of Agbarha Warri League signed by Mr Joseph Ugbejevun and Ms Edirin Okere ( President and Secretary of Agbarha Warri League respectively)made available to newsmen , read in part: ‘ With heavy heart, we reflect a while on the life time of our selfless and philanthropic patron, Late Chief (Pa)Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
‘ The news of your death came to us as a rude shock and with disbelief, but it turned out to be a reality and not fallacy.
‘ You had faith in God and you were strongly committed to advancement of the Niger Delta nay Nigeria.
‘ You served in different capacities, as well as being a patron to Agbarha Warri League and many others.
‘ You were a father, a brother, uncle and friend to many due to your love , benevolence, outspokenness and philanthropic lifestyle.
‘ You were a disciplinarian, kindhearted and hardworking.
‘ You fought for justice and equal rights and you positively impacted on the lives of many ; particularly for the oppressed.
‘ We shall forever miss your wonderful smiles, forthrightness, useful advice, words of encouragement and care as a father and patron.
‘ Oh !, your sweet memories will forever remain in our hearts.
‘ Good night our father and patron. And may your gentle soul and souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God , rest in peace, Amen. ‘
The eldest son of late Chief (Pa ) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Hon Ebikeme Clark who is the Hon Commissioner For Riverine Infrastructure And Development, Delta State in his brief speech on behalf of the family , expressed appreciated to the Agbarha Warri monarch and people for the visit and their kind remarks about his father.
Dr Alfred Mulade was the spoke man for the family of Late Chief Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at the event.
High point of the visit was the presentation of the condolence letter of the highly esteemed Agbarha Warri traditional ruler Igbi 11 by High Chief Willie Atabefia Digbori ( JP) to the families of the late leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum ( PANDEF ) .
