(*71*) Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71. Uduaghan reportedly handed away on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, in response to a press release issued by his household.
(*71*) announcement was made in a press release signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the household, confirming the demise of the previous governor, who served Delta State between 2007 and 2015.
(*71*) household described his passing as a devastating loss, noting that his contributions to public service and the event of Delta State would stay a part of his legacy.
Uduaghan, a medical physician turned politician, held a number of senior authorities positions earlier than turning into governor, together with Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the Delta State Government.
(*71*) circumstances surrounding his demise weren’t disclosed within the household assertion.
Family mourns Uduaghan
In the assertion saying his demise, the household expressed profound grief over the passing of the previous governor, describing him as a central determine of their lives.
- “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.”
(*71*) household stated Uduaghan’s demise had left a major void, each throughout the household and amongst these whose lives he influenced throughout his years in public workplace.
- “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.”
(*71*) assertion additional described him as a supply of power, a father determine and a revered elder whose contributions prolonged past his rapid household.
(*71*) household additionally prayed for the repose of his soul and luxury for these mourning his passing.
What it’s best to know
Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. He studied medication at the University of Benin, the place he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery diploma earlier than specialising in anaesthesia.
Before coming into politics, he labored in a number of medical establishments, together with Delta Steel Company, Shell Hospital in Ogunu and personal healthcare services in Warri.
His political profession gained prominence in 1999 when he was appointed Commissioner for Health beneath former Governor James Ibori. He subsequently served as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 till 2007.
Uduaghan turned Delta State governor on May 29, 2007, succeeding James Ibori, and was re-elected in 2011.
His administration pursued healthcare reforms, infrastructure growth and financial diversification beneath the Delta Beyond Oil initiative, which sought to scale back the state’s dependence on petroleum income.
He accomplished his second time period on May 29, 2015, handing over to Ifeanyi Okowa after eight years in workplace.
In 2018, he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress earlier than returning to the PDP in 2020. He subsequently rejoined the APC in May 2025.
Uduaghan died three days earlier than his 72nd birthday, marking the tip of a political {and professional} profession spanning medication, public administration and state governance.
