Former Delta Governor, Uduaghan, Dies at 71

By Johnson Arua

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71.

His family announced his death on Monday, October 19, 2026, in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family.

The statement said the former governor died on Monday morning, describing his passing as a devastating loss to his family, the people of Delta State and Nigeria at large.

The family expressed profound grief over his death, describing him as a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch whose life and years of public service had touched many people.

Uduaghan, a medical doctor, began his political career in Delta State as Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of former Governor James Ibori.

He subsequently served as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before emerging as governor in 2007.

He governed Delta State for two consecutive terms, from 2007 to 2015, during which his administration pursued various human and infrastructural development programmes.

After completing his eight-year tenure, Uduaghan remained active in political and public affairs in Delta State and at the national level.

In announcing his death, the family expressed gratitude to God for his life and years of service, while praying for comfort and strength for relatives, friends, political associates, former colleagues and others mourning his passing.

His death marks the end of an era in Delta State's political history, following his years of service in key government positions and his eight-year tenure as governor.