A former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has described the passing of Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former governor of Delta State, as a compassionate medical doctor who brought healing into governance and a detribalised statesman who left indelible footprints across Delta State and Nigeria.

In a condolence statement, Mimiko said he and his wife, Olukemi, received with sadness the news of the demise of Dr Uduaghan, a man whose journey through public service, from Commissioner for Health to Secretary to the State Government to Governor, was marked by uncommon grace, humility and calmness even in crisis.

The former governor noted that Dr Uduaghan served Delta State and Nigeria with distinction at every stage of his career, bringing the compassion of a medical doctor into the arena of governance.

He said, “As Commissioner for Health, he demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the people; as Secretary to the State Government, he exhibited administrative competence and integrity; and as Governor, he provided steady and purposeful leadership that left enduring legacies across the state.

Mimiko described the late Delta governor as a bridge-builder and a brother across party lines, emphasising that his capacity to maintain friendships and alliances beyond political divides set him apart as a statesman of rare quality.

According to the former Ondo governor, Dr Uduaghan, his calmness in the face of crisis and his humility in the exercise of power were virtues that defined his character and distinguished his tenure as governor.

The former governor noted that the timing of Dr Uduaghan’s passing, just days before what would have been his 72nd birthday, made the loss even more painful for his family, friends and associates.

He prayed that Almighty God would grant the departed soul eternal rest and grant his family the fortitude to bear what he described as an irreplaceable loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Her Excellency Roli Uduaghan; his children; the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo; the government and people of Delta State; and all who mourn this painful loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Mimiko said.