Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71, with his family announcing that he passed away on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, following a brief illness.
The family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan, describing the loss as devastating and paying tribute to a man whose years in public service spanned key positions in the Delta State Government.
Uduaghan, who was born on October 22, 1954, served as governor of Delta State for eight years, from 2007 to 2015, after previously holding the positions of commissioner for health and secretary to the state government.
In the statement titled “Announcement of the Passing of His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan,” the family expressed profound grief over the death of their patriarch, saying his passing had left a painful void among relatives and those whose lives he touched.
“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 his death was a significant loss not only to his immediate relatives but also to Delta State and Nigeria, given his years of public service and the relationships he built throughout his life.
It described the late former governor as a father figure, brother, uncle and source of strength whose presence would be sorely missed.
Reflecting on his public career, the family recalled that Uduaghan served as commissioner for health between 1999 and 2003 before becoming secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, a period during which, according to the family, he demonstrated commitment to the state’s human and infrastructural development.
The family expressed gratitude to God for his life and service, while acknowledging the grief his death would bring to relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others who mourn him.
Despite the pain of his passing, the statement said his memory and legacy would endure through the lives he touched.
The family prayed for the repose of his soul and for divine comfort and strength for those mourning his death.
“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.
