Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has reportedly died in the early hours of yesterday, October 19, 2026, after a brief illness.

Uduaghan died at 71, according to a statement issued by his family.

The family described his death as a devastating loss, noting that he was a beloved father, brother, uncle and respected patriarch whose life and service touched many people across Delta State and Nigeria.

Uduaghan 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.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed sadness over the death of the former governor, describing him as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the state’s development would not be forgotten.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ekpen Ahon, Oborevwori sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and Deltans over the painful loss.

The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to the state’s infrastructure development.  He described the former governor as a leader who looked beyond ethnic differences and worked for the overall development of Delta State.

SIMILARLY, President Bola Tinubu has also expressed grief over the death of the late  Uduaghan, describing him as a public servant committed to the development of the state and the service of the nation.

In a condolence message, the President extended his sympathies to Uduaghan’s family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state, recalling the deceased’s contributions to governance and development.

According to the President, Uduaghan’s administration pursued initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of the people of Delta State.

ALSO, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has mourned the late former governor, describing his death as a profound loss to his family, the people of Delta State and Nigerians who followed his years of public service.

In a condolence message, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the late former governor as a revered patriarch whose life was defined by family devotion, public service and contributions to the development of Delta State.

She said his death would leave an irreplaceable void in the lives of his immediate family and others who valued his presence, counsel and leadership.

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

IN the same vein, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Uduaghan, describing his passing as a painful loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.

Mark, in a condolence message, said the death of the former governor was particularly saddening, given his contributions to public service and the development of Delta State during his years in leadership.

He noted that Uduaghan’s years in public office placed him at the centre of efforts to advance peace, development and improved living conditions for the people of Delta State.