BREAKING: Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71, his family has announced.
The family disclosed his death in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on Monday, October 19, 2026, saying the former governor died in the morning.
The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan”, described his death as a painful loss to his family, the people of Delta State and Nigeria.
The family said Uduaghan was a father figure, brother, uncle and respected elder whose life and public service touched many people.
“His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria,” the statement read.
Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 before becoming Secretary to the State Government, a position he held from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently became governor in 2007 and remained in office until 2015, serving two terms.
In the statement, the family acknowledged his contributions to the state’s development during his years in public service.
“Throughout his years in public service, he demonstrated a commitment to the human and infrastructural development of Delta State,” the family said.
The family expressed gratitude for his life and service, while praying for comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.
“We pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will grant his soul eternal rest and comfort our family, friends, associates, former colleagues, and all who mourn this painful loss,” the statement added.
The announcement marks the passing of a former state governor who spent several years in public administration before and during his tenure as Delta State’s chief executive.
The family concluded its statement with a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul, saying his memory would remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
