BREAKING:Ex-Delta Gov Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

BREAKING:Ex-Delta Gov Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.

Uduaghan reportedly died on Monday, October 19, 2026, following a period of illness. His death was announced by his family in a statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan, on behalf of the family.

The former governor, who was born on October 22, 1954, governed Delta State for eight years, from 2007 to 2015, after succeeding former Governor James Ibori.

In the statement announcing his death, the family expressed profound grief over the loss, describing the deceased as a beloved father, brother, uncle and respected patriarch whose life and service touched many people across Delta State and Nigeria.

The family said his passing had left them devastated, adding that his contributions to public service and the lives he touched would remain part of his enduring legacy.

It also expressed gratitude to God for his life and years of service, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort for family members, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.

From medicine to public service

Uduaghan, a medical doctor by profession, began his prominent career in Delta State politics as Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003.

He subsequently served as Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007 before emerging as governor in 2007.

His administration, which lasted two consecutive terms, pursued human and infrastructural development across the state, with attention to healthcare, infrastructure and other areas of public service.

As governor, Uduaghan occupied a significant position in the political development of Delta State, navigating the state’s complex political landscape and overseeing the affairs of one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states.

He left office in 2015 after completing his second term, but remained involved in political affairs in Delta State and at the national level.

His political career also included a bid for the Delta South Senatorial District seat in the 2019 general elections.

Oborevwori mourns former governor

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing it as a loss to the state and the country.

In a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori described the late former governor as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of Delta State would not be forgotten.

The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in public service, particularly his contributions to infrastructure development and his commitment to the overall development of the state.

Oborevwori also sympathised with Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State over the loss.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to grant his family and all those mourning him the strength to bear the loss.

A major loss to Delta State

Uduaghan’s death marks the loss of a former chief executive of Delta State whose political career spanned several years of public administration, from his service as commissioner and secretary to the state government to his eight-year tenure as governor.

His family said his memory would remain cherished and his legacy would endure through the lives he touched during his lifetime.

As tributes continue to emerge, attention is expected to turn to the former governor’s years in office, his contributions to the development of Delta State and the memories he leaves behind among family members, political associates and the people he served.

Funeral arrangements had not been announced in the reports available at the time of filing this report.