BREAKING: Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies At 71
Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead. He was 71.
Uduaghan died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, after a brief illness, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
His death was announced in a statement by his family, signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan.
The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan,” reads:
“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.”
The family described the late former governor as a father figure, source of strength and respected elder whose presence will be deeply missed.
Born on October 22, 1954, Uduaghan was a medical doctor by training before venturing into politics.
He served as Commissioner for Health in Delta State from 1999 to 2003 and as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) from 2003 to 2007 under Chief James Ibori.
He was elected governor in 2007 and served two terms until 2015, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His administration anchored its agenda on the 3-Point Agenda of Peace and Security, Human Capital Development and Infrastructural Development, including the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative.
The family noted that his death is a profound loss to Delta State and Nigeria at large, adding that funeral arrangements will be announced later.
He is survived by family, associates and political allies.
