Prominent poet and Emeritus Professor of Literature, John Pepper Clark, has died on Tuesday.
The professor’s death was made known in a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark for the family and Ilaye Clark, for the children.
“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce that Emeritus Professor of Literature and Renowned Writer, Prof. John Pepper Clark, has finally dropped his pen in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 13 October, 2020.
“Prof. J. P. Clark has paddled on to the great beyond in comfort of his wife, children and sibling, around him.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement read.
John pepper Clark Bekederemo, born on April 6, 1935, was one of Nigeria’s foremost anglophone dramatists, poets and playwright.
Clark, born of Ijaw parents, received his early education at the Native Administration School and the Government College in Ugheli.
He was the most lyrical of the Nigerian poets, whose poetry celebrates the physical landscape of Africa.
