Former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has died at the age of 71, with his family and President Bola Tinubu mourning the loss of the former medical doctor and politician.
Uduaghan died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, after a brief illness, according to a statement issued by his family. He was born on October 22, 1954.
In a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday, the family announced his death, describing it as a painful loss to his relatives, Delta State and Nigeria.
The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan”, expressed the family’s grief over the death of the former governor.
“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 said Uduaghan’s death had left them devastated, noting that his life and public service had touched many people across Delta State and the country.
“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,” the family stated.
The family also described the late politician as a source of strength whose absence would be deeply felt by relatives, friends, associates and former colleagues.
While expressing gratitude to God for his life and contributions, the family prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for those mourning him.
Uduaghan served two terms as governor between 2007 and 2015. Before his election, he held the positions of Delta State Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, in a separate condolence message issued on Monday, acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Delta State, including his activities after leaving office.
The President said the former governor remained involved in the state’s political affairs and continued to contribute to democratic governance and public service after completing his two terms.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Recalling Uduaghan’s years in government, the President described him as a public servant whose leadership focused on the development of Delta State and the country.
“Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to our nation,” he said.
Tinubu also noted that Uduaghan’s eight-year administration pursued projects and policies aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare delivery and the welfare of residents.
“During this period, he pursued developmental strides to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of Deltans,” the President added.
The President urged the people of Delta State to take comfort in the late governor’s years of service and the relationships he built across the country.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, who was identified as the deceased’s cousin, as well as his friends and political associates.
“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Roli; his children; his cousin, former Governor James Ibori; and friends and political associates whose lives he impacted,” the President said.
Tinubu concluded his message with a prayer for the deceased and those affected by his death.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him,” he added.
