Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71, leaving family members, political associates and residents of Delta State mourning the loss of a former leader who served the state for eight years.
Uduaghan’s death was announced by his family in a statement released on Monday, October 19, 2026, and signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family.
According to the announcement, the former governor died on the morning of October 19. The family did not disclose a specific cause of death, although media reports said he had been ill before his passing.
The family described his death as a devastating loss, remembering him as a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch whose life and public service touched many people across 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, 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.
His death comes just three days before his 72nd birthday, which would have been on October 22.
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1. Uduaghan’s family announces his death
The announcement of Uduaghan’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from political leaders and others familiar with his years in public service.
In their statement, family members said they were struggling to express the depth of their grief over the loss of someone who played a central role in their lives and whose work reached beyond his immediate family.
“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 family said.
The statement described him as a source of strength and a respected elder, adding that his memory and legacy would remain with those who knew him.
The family also expressed gratitude for his life and prayed for comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.
As of the reports available at the time of publication, the family had not announced funeral arrangements.
2. He served as Delta State governor from 2007 to 2015
Uduaghan served as governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms, from 2007 to 2015.
He succeeded James Ibori and became one of the key political figures in the state during that period. His administration oversaw programmes and projects relating to infrastructure, healthcare and broader state development.
In a condolence message following the announcement of his death, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged Uduaghan’s years in public service and described him as a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to Nigeria.
Tinubu also extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, relatives, friends and political associates.
The President’s message is available on the official State House website.
Uduaghan’s eight years in office remain a significant part of his public record and will form part of the discussions surrounding his legacy.
3. Uduaghan was a medical doctor before entering politics
Before rising to the highest political office in Delta State, Uduaghan trained and worked as a medical doctor.
His medical background became an important part of his professional identity before he took on major government responsibilities.
In 1999, he was appointed Delta State Commissioner for Health, a position he held until 2003. The role placed him within the state government at a time when he was building experience in public administration.
He subsequently served as Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, before becoming governor.
His career therefore spanned medicine, public administration and elected political leadership.
According to Channels Television’s report on Uduaghan’s death, he held several public offices in Delta State before succeeding Ibori as governor.
4. His death draws condolences from political leaders
Uduaghan’s passing has prompted tributes from political figures reflecting on his years of service and his place in Delta State’s political history.
President Tinubu’s condolence message acknowledged his work as commissioner, secretary to the state government and governor, while extending sympathy to the bereaved family and the people of Delta State.
The tributes reflect the former governor’s position in the state’s political life and the relationships he maintained during and after his time in office.
Uduaghan remained a recognisable figure in Delta State and national politics after leaving the governorship in 2015.
His death has renewed attention on his career and the different responsibilities he held throughout his years in public service.
5. He is survived by his wife and children
Uduaghan is survived by his wife, Roli, and their children.
In announcing his death, the family emphasised his importance not only as a former governor but also as a father, brother, uncle and family patriarch.
The statement expressed the family’s sorrow and acknowledged the many people whose lives he touched during his lifetime.
It also offered prayers for his soul and for comfort for everyone mourning his passing.
While details of the funeral are awaited, family members, political associates and others who knew him are now reflecting on his life and public service.
Conclusion
Former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has died at 71, according to a statement released by his family on October 19, 2026.
A medical doctor by training, he served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, and governor from 2007 to 2015.
His death has drawn condolences from President Tinubu and renewed attention to his years in public office. The family has not disclosed a specific cause of death or announced funeral arrangements in the reports reviewed.
Uduaghan is survived by his wife, Roli, and their children.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
