PANDEF Bemoans Patrick Dele Cole’s Death at 86
— Forum Commiserates with Tonye Cole, Kalabari Kingdom, Rivers State
By Wilson Macaulay
YENAGOA
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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of its prominent leader and elder statesman, Chief (Ambassador) Patrick Dele Cole, describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to the Niger Delta, his family and Nigeria at large.
Chief Cole, fondly known as PDC, reportedly died in London on October 17, 2026, at the age of 86, following a brief illness, weeks after celebrating his birthday.
In honour of the late statesman, PANDEF 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 distinguished career spanned journalism, education, civil service, diplomacy, politics and Niger Delta advocacy.
The decision was conveyed in a press statement issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, on behalf of the organisation’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.
The forum said it received the news of Chief Cole’s death with profound shock and deep sorrow, noting that his passing had created a painful vacuum within the organisation and the wider Niger Delta political and socio-cultural community.
PANDEF described the late Cole as an accomplished Nigerian whose intellectual depth, professional excellence and commitment to public service earned him recognition across different sectors of national life.
A man of remarkable accomplishments, Chief Cole distinguished himself as an educationist, journalist, civil servant, diplomat and politician, leaving behind a legacy that transcended professional boundaries and generations.
One of the defining chapters of his illustrious career was his service as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country’s foremost national newspapers, where he made significant contributions to the development of Nigerian journalism and public discourse.
His years in the media placed him among the influential professionals who helped shape national conversations during a critical period in Nigeria’s political and institutional development.
Beyond journalism, the late elder statesman served in strategic government and diplomatic positions, including as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil.
His diplomatic assignment reflected his engagement with Nigeria’s foreign relations and his contribution to the country’s representation in the international community.
Chief Cole also participated actively in partisan politics, emerging as a presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He subsequently served on the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further demonstrating his sustained involvement in Nigeria’s democratic development.
A Pillar of Niger Delta Advocacy
PANDEF particularly acknowledged Chief Cole’s invaluable contributions to the political, socio-cultural and developmental aspirations of the Niger Delta, describing him as one of the respected figures whose experience and intellectual capacity strengthened the organisation from its formative period.
According to the forum, the late statesman brought his wealth of knowledge, national stature and extensive public-service experience to bear on PANDEF’s activities, contributing to its efforts to advance the interests of the South-South geopolitical zone.
His involvement in the organisation reflected his enduring commitment to ensuring that the concerns, aspirations and developmental needs of Niger Delta communities received appropriate attention in national discourse.
For PANDEF, his death represents the loss of a respected elder whose counsel, experience and understanding of national affairs remained valuable assets to the organisation and the broader struggle for the political and socio-economic advancement of the region.
The forum also acknowledged his commitment to Christianity and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and identities of the South-South peoples.
It noted that his life represented a distinctive combination of intellectual engagement, public service, religious faith and cultural consciousness, earning him respect across professional, political and community circles.
PANDEF Commiserates with Tonye Cole, Kalabari Kingdom
In expressing its condolences, PANDEF extended 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.
The forum also commiserated with the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom, where Chief Cole held the revered traditional title of High Chief, as well as the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State and Nigerians across the country.
PANDEF described the death as a profound loss to all who benefited from his wisdom, experience and contributions to public life.
The organisation urged the bereaved family, his community, associates and the wider Niger Delta to draw strength from the distinguished life he lived and the enduring impact of his service to society.
It stressed that although his departure had created a painful vacuum, his contributions to journalism, diplomacy, politics and regional advocacy would remain important elements of his legacy.
Seven-Day Mourning Declared
As part of measures to honour the departed leader, PANDEF directed all its chapters in Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, beginning Monday, October 19, 2026.
The organisation further instructed that all PANDEF media platforms should prominently feature Chief Cole’s photograph throughout the mourning period as a symbolic tribute to his life, contributions and enduring place in the history of the forum.
The directives underscore the depth of the loss felt within PANDEF and the organisation’s determination to honour one of its prominent leaders.
Chief Cole’s death marks the end of an era for a public figure whose career traversed the newsroom, government institutions, diplomatic service, partisan politics and regional advocacy.
From his distinguished years in journalism to his service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, his role as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and his participation in national politics, his professional journey reflected a longstanding engagement with the affairs of Nigeria.
For the Niger Delta, his contributions to PANDEF and his commitment to advancing the region’s political, cultural and socio-economic interests remain significant aspects of his public legacy.
PANDEF concluded its condolence message with a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul, expressing the hope that his family, associates, the Kalabari Kingdom, Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta community would find comfort in the memory of his distinguished life and service.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 19th, 2026
