Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead. He was 71.
The Uduaghan family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday, October 19, 2026.
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.
“He was a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder. We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind.
“He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Throughout his years in public service, he demonstrated a commitment to the human and infrastructural development of Delta State.
“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.”
Uduaghan, a medical doctor by training, was born on October 22, 1954, and would have turned 72 on Thursday . He died after a brief illness .
He served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before succeeding James Ibori as governor in 2007 .
During his two terms as governor, his administration pursued the “Delta Beyond Oil” agenda, which sought to reduce the state’s dependence on crude oil revenues by developing alternative sectors. He was also known as the “Talk and Do Governor” .
Uduaghan left office in 2015 after completing two terms .
The family prayed for God’s comfort for relatives, friends and associates mourning his death, adding that his memory would remain in their hearts.
“Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
