Former governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has passed away.
The death of the former governor was announced on Monday in a statement in Warri by Mr Toju Anire, on behalf of the Uduaghan family.
Uduaghan was the governor of Delta State between 2007 and 2015.
According to the family, Uduaghan died in the early hours of Monday.
“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, Dr Uduaghan, former governor of Delta.
“The former governor departed this world on the morning of October 19, 2026.
“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.
“His life and service touched countless others across Delta and Nigeria,” Anire said.
Anire further described the former governor as a source of strength, father figure, beloved brother, uncle and a respected elder.
“We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind,” the family said.
Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 as well as
Secretary to the Delta Government from 2003 to 2007.
“His passing is a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta and Nigeria at large.
“We are grateful to God for his life, his service and the legacy he leaves behind.
“We pray that 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,” Anire said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed sadness over the death of Uduaghan.
Oborevwori in a condolence statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, described the former governor as a “detribalised” leader whose contributions to the development of the state would not be forgotten.
He sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, Itsekiri people and Delta residents over the painful loss.
The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to infrastructure development in the state.
Oborevwori described the former governor as a leader who looked beyond ethnic differences and worked for the overall development of Delta.
He said that Uduaghan’s years in public service had left a good mark on the state, and his death was a loss to Delta and the country at large.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul.
Mr Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, and Delta North Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has mourned Uduaghan, describing his death as a loss to Delta and Nigeria.
The former speaker in a tribute on Monday in Asaba, said Uduaghan’s contributions to governance, institutional development, peace and infrastructure remained significant in the state’s history.
Ochei who served as speaker during Uduaghan’s administration between 2011 and 2014, recalled their working relationship and shared commitment to democratic governance and the development of the state.
He described the former governor as a calm and purposeful leader who combined political experience with an understanding of governance challenges.
He said Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative reflected his commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development.
He also highlighted the late former governor’s contributions to peace and security in the Niger Delta, particularly his efforts to promote stability in the region.
According to him, Uduaghan’s administration expanded free maternal and under-five healthcare services and invested in education through model schools and scholarship programmes.
Ochei listed the development of the Asaba International Airport and road networks among the infrastructure projects associated with Uduaghan’s administration.
He said the late former governor also valued dialogue, consensus-building and institutional cooperation in the pursuit of good governance.
Ochei described his death as a painful loss to his immediate family, Delta and Nigeria, adding that his public service contributions would remain part of the state’s history.
He extended his condolences to the wife of the deceased, children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta.
He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his family and others mourning him.
