The death of Emeritus Professor of Literature and Nigerian poet, Prof. John Pepper Clark has been announced.

In a statement signed by Prof. C.C. Clark, for the family and Mr Ilaye Clark, for the children, the renowned playwright aged 85, reportedly died in the early hours of today, October 13, 2020.

The statement 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.

“Prof. J. P. Clark has paddled on to the great beyond in comfort of his wife, children and siblings, around him. The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

J.P. Clark 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.

He has other novels and poems to his credit.