{
  "id": 15474352,
  "title": "Dele Cole stood firmly with Niger Delta aspirations, Ibori mourns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/dele-cole-stood-firmly-with-niger-delta-aspirations-ibori-mourns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T19:30:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/dele-cole-stood-firmly-with-niger-delta-aspirations-ibori-mourns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, has mourned the passing of influential Niger Delta leader, Dele Cole, describing him as a staunch supporter of resource control and true federalism. Cole, born on August 4, 1940, in Abonnema, Rivers State, died in London at the age of 86. In a statement on Sunday, Ibori paid tribute to Cole, praising his unwavering commitment to the Niger Delta cause and his loyalty to the region. Despite his position as a Special Adviser in former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, Cole remained dedicated to the interests of his people, Ibori noted. The statement, titled \"PDC: So Long My Leader,\" highlighted Cole's significant role in advocating for true federalism and resource control. Ibori emphasized that Cole's political choices were guided by a deep conviction that the aspirations of the Niger Delta people deserved protection.",
  "summary": "Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has mourned the death of prominent Niger Delta leader, Dele Cole, praising his commitment to resource control. Read More: https://punchng.com/dele-cole-stood-firmly-with-niger-delta-aspirations-ibori-mourns/",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Delta State Governor James Ibori mourns the passing of Dele Cole.",
    "Cole, born on August 4, 1940, was 86 years old at death.",
    "Ibori praised Cole's commitment to Niger Delta aspirations and federalism."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "This Day",
        "title": "Ibori Mourns Dele Cole, Hails His Contributions to Resource Control, True Federalism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/ibori-mourns-dele-cole-hails-his-contributions-to-resource-control",
        "published": "2026-10-18T15:15:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Dele Cole stood firmly with Niger Delta aspirations, Ibori mourns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/dele-cole-stood-firmly-with-niger-delta-aspirations-ibori-mourns-15476238",
        "published": "2026-10-18T19:42:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}