PANDEF Mourns Chief Patrick Dele Cole, Declares Seven-Day Mourning Period — Directs Chapters Nationwide, Diaspora to Suspend Social Activities

 

Yenagoa

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has been thrown into mourning following the death of its prominent leader and elder statesman, Chief (Ambassador) Patrick Dele Cole, who passed away in London on October 17, 2026, at the age of 86, after a brief illness.

In honour of the late statesman, the influential Niger Delta socio-political organisation has declared a seven-day mourning period, directing all its chapters across Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities during the period as a mark of respect for a man whose life and public service spanned journalism, education, diplomacy, politics and regional advocacy.

The directive, contained in a Press statement issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, described the death of Chief Cole as a painful and irreplaceable loss to his family, the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to the statement, the organisation received the news of his passing with profound shock and deep sorrow, noting that the respected national figure died just weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday.

Chief Cole, fondly known as PDC, was celebrated as a distinguished Nigerian whose intellectual depth, professional accomplishments and commitment to public service earned him recognition across several sectors of national life.

A man of many accomplishments, the late Cole distinguished himself as an educationist, journalist, civil servant, diplomat and politician, leaving behind a legacy that cut across professional boundaries and successive generations of Nigeria's political and intellectual leadership.

One of the defining chapters of his career was his service as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country's foremost national newspapers, where he played a significant role in the nation's media landscape.

His journalistic experience and intellectual contributions positioned him among the prominent figures who helped shape public discourse during an important period in Nigeria's political and institutional development.

Beyond journalism, Chief Cole occupied strategic positions in government and international relations, including service as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Nigeria's Ambassador to Brazil.

His diplomatic assignment reflected his engagement with Nigeria's external relations and the country's representation within the international community.

He also ventured into partisan politics at the highest level, emerging as a presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His political journey further included membership of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), underscoring his sustained participation in Nigeria's evolving democratic process.

A Pillar of Niger Delta Advocacy

Beyond his national assignments, PANDEF particularly acknowledged Chief Cole's invaluable contributions to the socio-cultural and political development of the Niger Delta.

The late statesman was described as a key figure in the formation and growth of the organisation, bringing his wealth of experience, intellectual strength and national stature to bear on its activities from its formative period until his death.

His involvement in regional affairs reflected a commitment to advancing the interests of the South-South geopolitical zone and strengthening the voice of Niger Delta people in national conversations.

For PANDEF, his passing represents the loss of a respected elder whose experience, counsel and understanding of national affairs were important assets to the organisation and the wider Niger Delta struggle.

The forum also recognised his role as a strong Christian leader and an advocate of Nigeria's cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and cultural identities of the South-South peoples.

His life, PANDEF noted, embodied a blend of intellectual engagement, public service, faith and cultural consciousness that made him a respected figure in different circles.

In extending its condolences, the organisation conveyed special sympathies to the late statesman's son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, and other members of the Cole family over the loss of their patriarch.

PANDEF also extended its condolences to the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom, where Chief Cole held the revered title of High Chief, as well as the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State, and Nigerians across the country.

The organisation described the death as an irreplaceable loss, urging the bereaved family, his community and the wider Niger Delta to draw comfort from the distinguished life he lived and the enduring contributions he made to society.

The statement stressed that while his departure had created a painful vacuum, his record of service and the values he represented would remain part of his enduring legacy.

As part of measures to honour the departed leader, PANDEF directed all its chapters in Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend all official activities of a social nature for seven days, commencing Monday, October 19, 2026.

The organisation also instructed that all PANDEF media platforms should prominently carry Chief Cole's image throughout the mourning period as a symbolic tribute to his memory and contributions.

The directive underscores the depth of the loss felt within the organisation and its determination to accord one of its prominent figures an appropriate institutional tribute.

Chief Cole's death marks the end of an era for a man whose career traversed the newsroom, the corridors of government, diplomatic service, partisan politics and regional advocacy.

From his years in journalism to his diplomatic assignment in Brazil, presidential advisory role and participation in national politics, his professional journey reflected a sustained engagement with the affairs of Nigeria.

For the Niger Delta, his contributions to PANDEF and his advocacy for the region's cultural and political interests remain significant elements of his public legacy.

The organisation concluded its condolence statement with a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul, expressing the hope that his family, associates and the wider Niger Delta community would find strength in the memory of his distinguished life.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.