Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 72.
Uduaghan reportedly died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, according to a statement announcing his death on behalf of the family by Toju Anire Uduaghan.
The family described his death as a painful loss, noting that the former governor was not only a respected patriarch but also a prominent public figure whose contributions to Delta State and Nigeria would be remembered.
In the announcement, the family expressed profound grief over his passing, saying his death had left them devastated.
“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 said.
Uduaghan served Delta State in several capacities before becoming governor in 2007.
He was Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently served as governor of the oil-producing state from 2007 to 2015, during which the family said he demonstrated commitment to the human and infrastructural development of Delta State.
The family described him as a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder whose presence would be deeply missed.
His death, the statement added, was a profound loss not only to the family but also to the people of Delta State and Nigeria at large.
While expressing gratitude to God for his life and years of public service, the family prayed for divine comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.
“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,” the statement said.
The family added that his memory would remain in their hearts and that his legacy would endure through the lives he touched.
“May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement concluded.
