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Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71.

Uduaghan reportedly died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, just three days before his 72nd birthday. His death was announced in a statement issued by his family.

The statement, signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan, on behalf of the family, announced the passing of the former governor, describing the loss as a painful moment for his relatives and loved ones.

The family said his death had left them devastated, noting that his life and years of public service touched numerous people across Delta State and Nigeria.

Uduaghan was remembered as a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved family member and a respected elder whose contributions would remain in the memories of those who knew him.

“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.

“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.

“He was a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder. We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

His political career

Uduaghan served as Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015, completing two consecutive terms in office.

Before becoming governor, he served as Commissioner for Health in Delta State between 1999 and 2003. He subsequently became Secretary to the State Government, a position he held from 2003 to 2007 before succeeding James Ibori as governor.

During his eight years in office, his administration pursued various human and infrastructural development initiatives across the state.

His years in public service placed him among the prominent political figures in Delta State, where he remained a significant figure in the state’s political history after leaving office.

Family mourns former governor

In its announcement, the family expressed gratitude for Uduaghan’s life and the service he rendered to Delta State and Nigeria.

The family also offered prayers for comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.

It said his memory would remain alive through the people he influenced and the legacy he left behind.

The announcement has marked a moment of mourning for the former governor’s family and is expected to prompt tributes from political associates, former colleagues and other public figures who worked with him during his years in government.

Uduaghan’s death brings to a close the life of a former state chief executive whose career spanned medical practice, public administration and more than a decade of service at the highest levels of Delta State government.

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