Former Delta State Governor, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died, his family has announced.
Uduaghan reportedly passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, three days to his 72nd birthday, leaving behind a legacy of public service that spanned several years in Delta State, including his tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015.
The announcement of his death was contained in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family, which described his passing as a devastating loss to his relatives, the people of Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The family said it received the news with profound grief, noting that Uduaghan was not only a respected political figure but also a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch whose influence extended beyond his immediate family.
“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 statement said.
Uduaghan occupied several strategic positions in the Delta State Government before emerging as governor in 2007.
He served as Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003, during the administration of former Governor James Ibori. He subsequently became Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, a position he held until the end of Ibori’s administration.
His emergence as governor in 2007 marked the beginning of an eight-year tenure at the helm of affairs in Delta State. He served two consecutive terms, leaving office in 2015.
During his years in government, Uduaghan was involved in the administration and implementation of policies and programmes aimed at advancing human and infrastructural development in the oil-producing state.
His background in health administration also formed a significant part of his public-service career, having served as the state’s Commissioner for Health before his appointment as Secretary to the State Government.
Reflecting on his years of service, the family said he remained committed to the development of Delta State and expressed gratitude to God for his life and contributions to society.
The statement described the late former governor as a source of strength and a father figure whose presence would be deeply missed by family members, friends, associates and former colleagues.
His death is expected to attract tributes from political leaders, former government officials, associates and residents of Delta State, where he served as governor for eight years.
The family, while mourning his death, called on God to grant him eternal rest and provide comfort to those affected by the loss.
“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,” the statement added.
The family concluded its announcement with a tribute to the deceased, expressing confidence that his memory would endure through the lives he touched and the legacy he left behind.
“Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the statement said.
Uduaghan’s death marks the end of a chapter in the political history of Delta State, where he served in key administrative positions before leading the state between 2007 and 2015.
The family statement did not provide details of funeral arrangements.
