Former Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness.
The Uduaghan family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday, October 19, 2026, saying the former governor passed away on the morning of the same day.
The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan,” expressed the family’s grief over the loss of their patriarch and paid tribute to his years of public service in Delta State and Nigeria.
“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,” the family stated.
The family described Uduaghan as a source of strength and a respected elder whose life and service touched many people across Delta State and the country.
Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Political Career
Uduaghan served in several key positions in the Delta State Government before becoming governor.
He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently became governor of Delta State in 2007 and remained in office until 2015.
According to the family, his years in public service were marked by a commitment to human and infrastructural development in the state.
His tenure as governor spanned eight years, during which he led the state government and oversaw its administration and development programmes.
Family Mourns Former Delta Governor
In the statement, the family described Uduaghan’s death as a profound loss to his relatives, the people of Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The family also expressed gratitude for his life, service and legacy, while offering prayers for comfort for those mourning his death.
“We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind,” the statement read.
The family prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others affected by the loss.
Uduaghan’s death marks the end of a life that included years of service in public administration and leadership in Delta State.
The family concluded its announcement with a prayer for his eternal rest, saying his memory would remain in the hearts of those he touched.