Renowned Nigerian poet, Prof. John Pepper Clark dies at the age of 85. J.P. Clark Dies At 85, marking the end of an era in African literature.
The emeritus professor of Literature who is also the younger brother of former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, died today, October 13, 2020.
His death was announced in a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark.
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.”
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J.P. Clarke wrote the poem ‘Abiku’, included in the scheme of work for most secondary schools. He is also the author of the book ‘The Wives’ Revolt’, compulsory in most secondary schools in the 90s and early 2000s.
he literary icon, who studied at the University of Ibadan, served as a professor of English at the University of Lagos until his retirement.
Born on December 6, 1933, Clark was the younger brother of Edwin Clark, a former federal commissioner for information and South-South leader. He gained widespread recognition for his celebrated poem Ibadan and was known for incorporating themes of cultural identity and resistance to colonial influence in his early works.
Literary Contributions
Clark’s body of work spans poetry and drama, reflecting a deep engagement with African traditions and socio-political realities. Some of his notable dramatic pieces include The Raft (1964), which tells the story of four men drifting helplessly down the Niger River; Ozidi (1966), a transcription of an epic Ijaw performance; and The Boat (1981), which captures the history of the Ngbilebiri people.
His poetry, widely regarded as among Africa’s finest, explores diverse themes. Collections such as Poems capture his reflections on life, while A Reed in the Tide draws from his personal experiences in America and other places. He also chronicled the horrors of the Nigeria-Biafra war in Casualties: Poems and A Decade of Tongues, a compilation of 74 poems.
Beyond poetry, Clark made significant contributions to theatre. His play Song of a Goat, which premiered at the Mbari Club in 1961, is a Greek-style tragedy exploring themes of impotence, betrayal, and suicide. It was followed by The Masquerade, where the protagonist Dibiri’s anger leads to tragic consequences.
Academic and Professional Legacy
Before retiring in 1980, Clark co-edited the literary journal Black Orpheus, a platform for African writers. In 1982, he and his wife, Professor Ebun Odutola, established the PEC Repertory Theatre in Lagos. His academic influence extended beyond Nigeria, with visiting professorial appointments at prestigious institutions such as Yale and Wesleyan University in the United States.
