J P Clark
Foremost Nigerian poet, John Pepper Clark, better known as J.P Clark died at the age of 85.
The academic who was most noted for his outstanding poetry, died after brief illness, in the early hours of today, 13th of October, 2020.
During his lifetime, he travelled wide which includes visiting professorial appointments at several institutions of higher learning, including Yale and Wesleyan University, in the United States of America. J.P Clark is also the younger brother of foremost Nigerian South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark.
His death was announced by in a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark which reads, “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.“
J.P Clark who is one of Africa’s leading and distinguished author, wrote the poem ‘Abiku’, included in the scheme of work for most secondary schools. He is also the author of the novel ‘The Wives’ Revolt’, compulsory in most secondary schools in the 90s and early 2000s.
The literary giant was married to Ebun Odutola (a professor and former director of the Centre for Cultural Studies at the University of Lagos) with whom he had children.
May His soul rest in perfect peace.