Former Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead. He was aged 71.
He died on the morning of Monday, 19th October, 2026, according to an announcement by his family.
The death was announced in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family.
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.
“His passing has left us devastated. 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 family described him as “a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder,” adding that his years in public service demonstrated commitment to human and infrastructural development.
Uduaghan, a medical doctor trained at the University of Benin, was a central figure in Delta State politics since 1999. He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 under Governor James Ibori, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
His passing, scheduled just three days to his 72nd birthday on October 22nd, is being described as “a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large.”
The family did not disclose cause of death but prayed for the repose of his soul.
Tributes have started pouring in from across the Niger Delta and beyond, including from the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.