Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Is Dead

The former governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has died aged 71.

Uduaghan, a two-term governor of Delta between 2007 and 2015, has been sick for some time.

Uduaghan died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, according to a statement issued on behalf of his family by Toju Anire Uduaghan.

“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 reads.

“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.”

Uduaghan, born on October 22, 1954, served as Delta health commissioner between 1999 and 2003.

He was subsequently appointed as the secretary to the state government from 2003 to 2007.

Meanwhile, the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing his passing as a profound loss to his family, Delta State, and Nigeria.

In a condolence message, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the late former governor as a revered patriarch, father figure, and elder statesman whose life combined family devotion with public service.

“Words are painfully inadequate to express the depth of my sorrow at the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. His death is a profound loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Uduaghan family at this incredibly difficult moment,” the senator’s statement partly read.

She said his death was not only the loss of a former governor but also the departure of a family patriarch whose presence, counsel, and memories would remain cherished by those who knew him.

“Today, we mourn not merely the passing of a distinguished former governor, but the loss of a father figure, a revered elder, and a man whose presence meant so much to those privileged to know him. The pain of such a departure is difficult to capture in words, particularly for a family confronted with the reality of saying goodbye to someone whose life has been woven into its history,” she added.

Reflecting on his years in public office, Akpoti-Uduaghan said his contributions should be remembered beyond the positions he held, particularly through the lives he touched and the legacy he left behind.

“Public office eventually comes to an end, but the memories of a life devoted to service endure. As we grieve his departure, we must also give thanks to God for the years He granted him, the responsibilities he discharged, and the legacy he leaves behind. May that legacy remain a source of strength and consolation to his family and to all who mourn him,” she said.

The senator extended her condolences to the deceased’s relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues, and other Nigerians affected by his death, praying for divine comfort for the bereaved family.

“To the Uduaghan family, I pray that the Almighty God will grant you the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May He give you the strength to endure the days of grief, the peace to find comfort in cherished memories, and the grace to celebrate a life that has left an indelible mark on those who knew him. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” she said.

Packaged by Lanre Olabisi