most of the time there's only two clips, one on each side of the cpu.
from the photos one is already in the retracted position, the one closest to the side of the mainboard, and while the other one isn't retracted, it is clearly no longer engaged by the bracket, the one more to the center of the mainboard.
these cpus tend to be a very tight fit, so be forceful and gentle.

oh yeah, and while some consider it bad, just try to lift on side of the cpu until it gives, then go for the other side, back and forth until the cpu is free from the slot

Push these two pins towards each other with one hand and with the other hand try to pull the CPU out.

It's always a pain when pulling out these CPUs, but have a little patience and it will eventually come out.

Also, as a last resort, these two pins I told you to push, they just move a locking mechanism just under the pin. Alternatively you could stick a small flat screwdriver and push the locking mechanism and pull one side of the CPU carefully, and then do the other side.

Thank you all for your replies. Was able to remove the processor. Next challenge is the removal of the retention mechanism. The plastic fasteners holding the base are too tight to be removed. Any easy methods for removal?

a clear photo of the plastic fasteners, top & bottom ?

Regarding the plastic fasteners, the best way I've found to remove them is to push them from the back of the board... using a plastic object of course to avoid "accidents".

weedeewee wrote on 2021-12-20, 17:00:

a clear photo of the plastic fasteners, top & bottom ?

Below are the ones:

The trickiest part is to lift the white stubs after these are fully pressed down.

Try carefully wedging a flat-bladed screwdriver under the retention pins and twist CAREFULLY. I don't believe the white pins need to be completely removed, just enough so that the tabs can "fold" inward when you pull up on the retention bracket.