Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead.
Uduaghan, 71, died on Monday morning, Oct. 19, 2026, in Abuja, according to a statement issued on behalf of the family by Toju Anire Uduaghan. He was three days short of his 72nd birthday.
The medical doctor turned politician governed the oil-rich state from 2007 to 2015 and was widely respected for his peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta.
Born on Oct. 22, 1954, in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area, to the family of Chief Edmund Uduaghan, Uduaghan was of Itsekiri origin. He studied medicine at the University of Benin, graduating in 1980, and later earned a diploma in anaesthesia.
He began public service under his cousin, former Governor James Ibori, serving as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor.
His administration is remembered for the Delta Beyond Oil initiative, the Warri Industrial Park project, the upgrade of Asaba Airport, expansion of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara, and a robust peace and security architecture that helped stabilise the state at the height of militancy.
Reacting to the news, the Executive Assistant on Political to the Governor of Delta State and Founder of OMO Foundation, Dr. Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojoede, said Delta has lost a patriot.
Ojoede said he received the news with shock and profound grief, describing Uduaghan as a detribalised leader, bridge builder and father figure.
“The demise of His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, is a monumental loss to Delta State and Nigeria at large. He was a detribalised leader, a bridge builder and a father figure who governed with wisdom, compassion and a deep sense of duty,” he said.
“As Governor, he laid solid foundations for peace, human capital development and infrastructural growth across the three senatorial districts. His legacies in the health sector, peace and security architecture and his Finishing Strong agenda remain indelible.”
Ojoede said Uduaghan’s death had created a huge vacuum among elder statesmen who laboured to keep Delta united and progressive.
He commiserated with his widow, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, the children, the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo, the Itsekiri nation, the government and people of Delta State, and the APC family.
“On behalf of myself, my family and the OMO Foundation, I condole with Her Excellency, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, the children, and the entire family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” he added.
Tributes have continued to pour in from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and other leaders across the Niger Delta.