By Ado Oyeyemi
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
His death was announced by his family in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The family described his death as a painful loss, noting that his contributions to Delta State and Nigeria would remain part of his legacy.
The statement read, “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.”
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State for eight years between 2007 and 2015, held several public offices before becoming governor.
He served as the state’s Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later as Secretary to the State Government between 2003 and 2007.
During his tenure as governor, he pursued human and infrastructural development initiatives across the state, according to the family.
The family described the late politician as a respected elder, father figure and source of strength whose influence extended beyond his immediate relatives.
“His passing is a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large. We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind,” the statement added.
The family also prayed for God’s comfort for his relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.
Uduaghan’s death marks the end of a political career that spanned several years in Delta State’s public service, culminating in his two-term tenure as governor.
The family concluded its announcement with a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul.
