Ex-Delta Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies At 71

Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026.

The death of the former elder statesman was officially announced in a family statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday.

Born on October 22, 1954, the late medical doctor turned politician passed away just days shy of his 72nd birthday.

In the official statement titled Announcement of the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the family expressed profound sorrow over the demise of their patriarch, describing his departure as an irreplaceable loss to Delta State and Nigeria at large.

It is with hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow that we announce the passing to glory of our beloved Father, Brother, Uncle, and Patriarch, His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, who departed this world on the morning of 19th October 2026, the statement read.

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 family added, describing Uduaghan as a cornerstone of strength and guidance.

Outlining his public service career, the statement highlighted his governance track record across pivotal political offices in the state.

He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Throughout his years in public service, he demonstrated a commitment to the human and infrastructural development of Delta State, the statement noted.

Reflecting on his enduring legacy, the family expressed gratitude for his decades of dedicated service and prayed for eternal repose.

His passing is a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large. We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind. 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 family stated.

Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen, the statement concluded.