*The New Diplomat Opens Writers Page for dedicated Tributes
The shocking news of the passage of international award-winning writer, eminent poet, renowned scholar, iconic playwright and a great citizen of the world, Professor John Pepper Clark-Bekeredemo, has continued to elicit outpouring of tributes across all spectrum of society.
The literary giant and emeritus professor of English and Literature who is simply known among admirers, students, followers and many as J.P.Clark died Tuesday morning at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos, Nigeria after falling ill since last month. It marked the fall of the great Iroko of literature.
He reportedly gave up the ghost in the presence of his family members, and the emeritus Professor hung up the pen, and commenced the journey of paddling the canoe along the creeks in The Raft like Ibadan in running splash of rust and gold in a pattern that has seen the icon leave America, Their America. But unlike Abiku, the literary mogul has taken a blissful exit surrounded by family members.
Read also: Eminent African Poet, Playwright, J.P. Clark Bows Out
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, in his tribute described the late icon as one of the literary giants on the stage. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Akinyemi, a former chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) underlined the importance of J.P.Clark’s contributions to the literary community.
He said; ‘’ I mourn the passing into eternity of Professor J. Pepper Clark, one of the giants in the literary stage of this country. Professor Clark though famous for his literary prowess was more than that. Nigerians would remember him as one of the triumphrate that visited General Babangida to plead in vain for the life of General Vatsa.
‘’But there were other critical and sacred (not in the religious sense) times in the life of this country, which must still remain hidden where Professor Clark was an actor. ’My family was close to Prof and his wife (auntie Ebun). We wish him a peaceful transitional trip to where-ever writers go to continue their struggle. Prof, please do not go gently into that resting place. Continue the struggle where you are. Do not forget the movement.’’
In his own glowing tribute, Edo state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki said the news came to him as a shock, stressing that the late literary icon contributed immensely to the advancement of Nigeria and the world in general.
He said; “It is with a great sense of shock and foreboding that I received the sad news of the passing of Emeritus Professor of Literature and renowned writer, Prof. John Pepper Clark, whose death was announced on Tuesday.
‘’Prof. John Pepper Clark-Bekeredemo was a great academic and a celebrated poet, who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s advancement through his numerous works. His literary exploits brought honour and great respect to Nigeria, and his contributions to literature and education in general will outlive many generations.
Read also: J.P. Clark: The Life And Times Of Africa’s Literary Icon and Statesman
”His writings mirrored the society all through our development as a nation and he raised his pen when it mattered the most to condemn societal ills that threatened our collective existence and advancement as a nation as well as a continent.
”My heart goes out to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, in Delta State, at this time, and I urge them to find solace in the impactful life Prof. John Pepper Clark lived. We thank God for giving us a man of such rare talent and may his soul rest in peace.’’
Similarly, Comrade Joseph Evah, co-ordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group described the late literary scholar as a famous Ijaw son who successfully helped put the name of Niger Delta region on the international stage.
While paying tribute to the late literary icon and eminent statesman, Evah said it was on account of his sterling accomplishments that made him to honour him under the auspices of the IMG to celebrate him on his 80th birthday.
Also, Hope Eghagha, a professor of English and Literature at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, mourned the passing of the literary icon.
Prof Eghagha, who said he was the literary child of the late John Pepper Clark-Bekeredemo, said the literary giant successfully put the name of Nigeria on the global stage.
“Our own JP’s boat reached its last earthly berthing place today, October 13. He lived a highly poetic and dramatic life, filled with intense creative moments and output.
“He was of the first generation of writers to put the name of Nigeria on the world canvas. An icon. A grand old man of letters who will be sorely missed.
“He was of the first generation of writers to put the name of Nigeria on the world canvas. An icon. A grand old man of letters who will be sorely missed. “
