Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared a seven-day mourning period following the death of elder statesman, diplomat and former newspaper editor, Chief Patrick Dele Cole.
The group announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, after receiving news of the respected Niger Delta leader’s death.
According to the statement, Chief Dele Cole died in London in the early hours of October 17 after a brief illness, just weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday.
PANDEF described him as a national leader whose contributions to journalism, public service, diplomacy and politics left a lasting mark on Nigeria.
The organisation said the late statesman served as Editor-in-Chief of the former Daily Times of Nigeria, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The forum noted that Chief Dele Cole played a key role in the formation of PANDEF and remained one of its respected leaders until his death.
It also described him as a committed Christian leader and a strong promoter of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, especially that of the South-South region.
“PANDEF conveys special commiserations to his son Rt Hon Tonye Cole and the rest of the Cole Family, the people of Abonnena town in Kalabari Kingdom where he was a High Chief, the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State and the entire Nigerian country on this irreplaceable loss. We urge all to take solace in the gift of a worthy and distinguished life which he had,” the statement said.
The group directed all its chapters in Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days beginning Monday, October 18, 2026, in honour of the late leader.
“All chapters of PANDEF in Nigeria and Diaspora are hereby directed to put on hold all officials activities of social nature for seven days with effect from Monday, 18th October, 2026 to mourn his loss. During the period, all PANDEF media platforms should carry his image,” the statement added.