Aniefiok Christopher
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori have mourned exit of the former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
The Uduaghan family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday.
Aged 71, Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954 and ruled Delta State from 2007 to 2015 under what is still in the fourth Republic.
In the statement titled, “Announcement of the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan”, the family said the death of the former governor was devastating because it was a big loss to the state and the country at large.
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“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,” it read.
The family also described Uduaghan as a ‘father figure, brother, uncle and source of strength’ whose presence would be deeply missed forever.
“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.
“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.
“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,” the statement added.
Tinubu and Oborevwori Mourn Uduaghan
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has the death of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Tinubu said ‘‘It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to the Uduaghan family, the government, and the people of Delta State on the passing of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, at 71.
‘‘Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to our nation.’’
According to him, ‘‘He served as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and was elected Governor of Delta State in 2007. His two-term tenure, which ended in 2015, placed him at the centre of the state’s political and developmental journey.
‘‘During this period, he pursued developmental strides to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of Deltans.
After his tenure as governor, Dr Uduaghan continued to feature prominently in Delta State’s political and socio-economic landscape, contributing to the sustenance of democratic governance and the advancement of public service in Nigeria. His passing is a great loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and the nation at large.
‘‘At this difficult time, I urge the people of Delta State to draw strength from the late governor’s years of service and the enduring relationships he built across the political and social terrain of our country.’’
On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria, the President extended his sympathy to his wife, Roli; his children; his cousin, former Governor James Ibori; and friends and political associates whose lives he impacted.
‘‘May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him,’’ he added.
Also, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed sadness over the death, describing Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of the state would not be forgotten.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State over the loss.
Oborevwori recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to infrastructure development and worked towards the overall development of the state, beyond ethnic differences.
The governor said the former governor’s years in public service had left a lasting mark on Delta State, adding that his death was a loss to the state and the country at large.
Oborevwori prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation, and all those mourning his death.
