Former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has died at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State for two terms between 2007 and 2015, died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family.
The former governor had been ill for some time before his death.
The family announced his passing in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan, expressing profound grief over the loss of their patriarch.
“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,” the statement read.
The family described his death as devastating, saying his life and public service had touched many people across Delta State and Nigeria.
“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 statement added.
The family further described Uduaghan as a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder whose presence would be deeply missed.
Uduaghan’s Political Career
Born on October 22, 1954, Uduaghan was a medical doctor before rising through the ranks of Delta State’s political establishment.
He served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of former Governor James Ibori.
He was subsequently appointed Secretary to the State Government, a position he held from 2003 to 2007.
Uduaghan became governor in 2007 and served two terms, leaving office in May 2015.
His death marks the end of a political career that spanned medicine, public administration and eight years of leadership in Delta State.
