NSF Chairman, Senator Musa Yar’Adua Mourns Elder Statesmen Adebanjo, Clark
The Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF), Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua in a profound moment of national grief bids farewell to two of Nigeria’s most esteemed elder statesmen, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who passed away within days of each other in February 2025, describing their passage as a great loss to the nation.
In his condolence message, personally signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the APC Senator representing Katsina Central District on behalf of NSF extolled the virtues of Chief Clark and Pa Adebanjo adding that they are “beacons of hope, consistency, and resilience in their unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and democratic stabilization.
The astute Katsina-born politician noted that their contributions (Clark and Adebanjo) to the country’s development, through various selfless roles in public service, will remain indelible and cherished forever and that posterity will be kind with them.
Read the release in extenso as reproduced hereunder:
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO TWO FOREMOST NATIONALIST – CHIEF EDWIN CLARK AND PA AYO ADEBANJO
On behalf of the Northern Senators Forum, I extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo who passed on February 17,2025 and February 14, 2025 respectively.
These two elder statesmen were beacons of hope, consistency, and resilience in their unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and democratic stabilization. Their contributions to the country’s development, through their various roles in public service, will be remembered and cherished forever.
Chief Clark’s remarkable life, spanning 97 years, was a testament to his dedication to the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria as a whole, having served as a Federal Cabinet Minister and also a Distinguished Senator of the National Assembly. His leadership and vision inspired generations, and his passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt.
Pa Adebanjo’s life too at 96 years, was a shining example of selfless service, patriotism, and commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and federalism. His legacy as a nationalist from the struggle for independence in 1960, elder statesman, and leader of the Afenifere will continue to inspire and guide us.
We honor their memories and celebrate their lives, even as we mourn their passing. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones made a lasting impact on our nation.
Sen Abdulaziz Musa Yara’dua
Chairman
Northern Senators Forum
