• State govt declares three days of mourning
•I like you yesterday, as we speak and without end,’ daughter, Orode, grieves
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade, Kuni Tyessi in Abuja, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos and Sylvester Idowu in Warri
President Bola Tinubu has mourned former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who died yesterday aged 71.
The Uduaghan household introduced his dying in an announcement by a member of the family, Toju Anire Uduaghan, describing his passing as a profound loss to the household, the folks of 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 assertion learn.
The household mentioned Uduaghan’s dying had left a deep void, describing him as a beloved household patriarch, revered elder, and a determine whose life and public service touched many individuals throughout Delta State and the nation.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large,” the assertion added.
The household additionally expressed gratitude for his life and repair, praying for the repose of his soul and for consolation for kin, mates, associates, and others mourning his dying.
In a condolence message, Tinubu prolonged his commiserations to the Uduaghan household, the federal government, and the folks of Delta State.
The president said, “Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose management was dedicated to Delta State’s improvement and repair to our nation.
“He served as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and was elected Governor of Delta State in 2007. His two-term tenure, which led to 2015, positioned him at the centre of the state’s political and developmental journey.
“During this era, he pursued developmental strides to enhance infrastructure, healthcare supply, and the general welfare of Deltans.
“After his tenure as governor, Dr Uduaghan continued to function prominently in Delta State’s political and socio-economic panorama, contributing to the sustenance of democratic governance and the development of public service in Nigeria. His passing is a superb loss to his household, his neighborhood, Delta State, and the nation at massive.
“At this troublesome time, I urge the folks of Delta State to attract energy from the late governor’s years of service and the enduring relationships he constructed throughout the political and social terrain of our nation.
“On behalf of my household, the federal government, and the folks of Nigeria, I prolong my deepest sympathies to his spouse, Roli; his youngsters; his cousin, former Governor James Ibori; and mates and political associates whose lives he impacted.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.”
Delta State Government
Delta State Government declared three days of mourning in honour of Uduaghan.
The mourning interval took impact from Monday, October 19.
In honour of the late former governor, the incumbent governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, directed that every one flags on public buildings throughout the state ought to be flown at half-mast all through the three-day mourning interval.
The directive, contained in an announcement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, was a mark of respect for Uduaghan, who ruled Delta State from 2007 to 2015.
Sheriff Oborevwori, Ede Dafinone Mourn
Oborevwori expressed disappointment over Uduaghan’s dying, describing him as a detribalised chief, whose contributions to the event of the state wouldn’t be forgotten.
In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori sympathised with the late governor’s spouse, Roli, his youngsters, your complete Uduaghan household, the Itsekiri nation, and Deltans over the painful loss.
The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in workplace, stating that he made important contributions to infrastructure improvement within the state.
He described the previous governor as a frontrunner who appeared past ethnic variations and labored for the general improvement of Delta State.
Oborevwori mentioned Uduaghan’s years in public service had left mark on the state, including that his dying was a loss to Delta and the nation at massive.
He prayed for the peaceable repose of the previous governor’s soul and requested God to consolation his spouse, youngsters, relations, the Itsekiri nation, and all these grieving his dying.
Senator Ede Dafinone, who the senator for Delta Central Senatorial District, described Uduaghan as a distinguished statesman, whose contributions to the event of the state will stay indelible.
Dafinone, in a condolence assertion he personally signed, expressed profound disappointment over the previous governor’s dying, describing it as an ideal loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
He said that Uduaghan’s years of service as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government, and two-term governor mirrored his dedication to public service and good governance.
According to the senator, the previous governor might be remembered for his inclusive management, infrastructural improvement, and efforts to advertise unity and peaceable coexistence among the many numerous ethnic teams in Delta State.
Orode Uduaghan
Daughter of the deceased former governor of Delta State, Orode Uduaghan, paid an emotional tribute to her father, saying her love for him would endure without end.
Orode, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Warri North I Constituency, expressed her grief in a quick emotional put up on her official Facebook web page following the previous governor’s dying on Monday.
“Thank you for everything. I love you yesterday, today and forever. Sleep well Papa,” she wrote, including a love emoji.
Delta APC
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Uduaghan.
The occasion’s State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, in an announcement by State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, final evening, mentioned the previous governor’s years of public service and contributions to Delta State would stay an necessary a part of the state’s political and developmental historical past.
Arenyeka described Uduaghan as a detribalised chief, achieved public servant and statesman who promoted unity, mutual respect, and peaceable coexistence among the many numerous ethnic teams within the state.
The APC chairman said, “The passing of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is a painful loss to Delta State and our country. He was a leader who recognised that our diversity is a source of strength and that the progress of Delta State depends on our collective commitment to unity, peace and development.”
Ifeanyi Okowa
Immediate previous Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed disappointment over the dying of his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
Okowa mentioned, in a condolence message, “I obtained with deep disappointment the information of the passing of my predecessor and brother, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
“As the governor who served Delta State before me, Dr. Uduaghan was an important part of our state’s journey. His years of service and contributions to Delta’s development remain part of our collective history.”
Okowa mentioned the dying was a painful loss to them as a household and prolonged condolences to his spouse, Roli, youngsters and your complete Uduaghan household.
David Mark
National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, described Uduaghan’s passing as a painful loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria.
Mark, in a condolence message, mentioned Uduaghan’s dying was significantly saddening, given his contributions to public service and the event of Delta State throughout his years in management.
In an announcement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbndiyan, the ADC chairman said that Uduaghan’s years in public workplace positioned him at the centre of efforts to advance peace, improvement, and improved dwelling circumstances for the folks of Delta State.
According to Mark, the late former governor’s expertise in governance and his service to the folks would stay an necessary a part of his public legacy.
The assertion mentioned, “Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s dying is a painful loss to Delta State and our nation. He was a public servant who devoted a major a part of his life to the service of his folks and the event of his state.
“His passing is a moment of grief for his family, the people of Delta State and all those who had the privilege of working with him or benefiting from his years of service.”
Emomotimi Guwor
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, expressed sorrow over the passing of Uduaghan.
Guwor, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, mentioned Uduaghan’s dying was an ideal and painful loss to Delta State and the nation, significantly at a time when his expertise and counsel as an elder statesman remained invaluable.
Guwor described Uduaghan as a passionate chief whose imaginative and prescient, insurance policies, and dedication to public service positively impacted the lives of many Deltans throughout his eight-year administration.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan described her in-law’s dying as a profound loss to his household, the folks of Delta State, and Nigerians, who valued his years of public service.
In a condolence message, Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned the deceased was a revered patriarch whose life mirrored household devotion, public service, and contributions to the event of Delta State.
She expressed sympathy with the Uduaghan household, saying his dying has created a painful void that might be troublesome to fill.
The Kogi Central senator said, “Words are painfully inadequate to express the depth of my sorrow at the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. His death is a profound loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Uduaghan family at this incredibly difficult moment.”
Christian Association of Nigeria
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in an announcement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, prolonged condolences to Uduaghan’s household, the federal government, and folks of Delta State.
Okoh mentioned Uduaghan performed a notable function throughout a interval of heightened political rigidity in Nigeria and recommended his dedication to dialogue and preservation of nationwide unity.
He described the previous governor’s passing as a loss to his household and to all who valued his contributions to public service and nation-building, praying God to consolation his household and grant his soul everlasting relaxation.
Jonathan Ukodhiko
The member representing Isoko North and Isoko South Federal Constituency within the House of Representatives, Jonathan Ukodhiko, described Uduaghn’s passing as a painful loss to the state.
In a condolence message by his Media Team, Ukodhiko commiserated with the late governor’s spouse, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his youngsters, the Uduaghan household of Abigborodo, the Itsekiri nation, and your complete folks of Delta State.
The federal lawmaker, who’s Deputy Chairman of House Committee on Science and Technology, acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to the event of Delta State, significantly in public administration, human capital improvement, infrastructure and safety.
Ukodhiko mentioned, “This is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family and the Itsekiri nation but also to Delta State, which he served in various capacities, including as governor. I pray that God grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Government Ekpemupolo
High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly identified as Tompolo, expressed disappointment over the dying of Uduaghan, describing his demise as surprising and an ideal loss.
Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, expressed his condolences in an announcement signed by his Media Consultant, Dr Paul Bebenimibo.
In his condolence message, Tompolo recalled Uduaghan’s contributions throughout the interval of the Niger Delta agitations, significantly his assist for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the pipeline surveillance initiative launched throughout the administrations of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President (*71*) Jonathan.
He said that the previous governor performed an necessary function throughout a vital interval within the Niger Delta, when efforts had been being made to handle insecurity, promote peace, and enhance stability within the oil-producing area.
Tompolo mentioned Uduaghan’s contributions wouldn’t be forgotten, including that the previous governor can be vastly missed.
Ambassador Oma Djebah
Former Nigerian Envoy to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah, expressed shock over the information of Uduaghan’s demise, calling the unhappy improvement an enormous loss to Delta State, Nigeria, and, certainly, all family members throughout varied worldwide jurisdictions.
Djebah added that the late former governor left a legacy of an enormous constructive influence.
He said, “I’m deeply shocked and saddened over the unhappy demise of this nice chief, a patriot, and a really compassionate administrator who gave his all in his service to Delta State and Nigeria.
“His death has created a void that would be very difficult to fill. I’m still short of words to convey my feelings over this sad loss.”
Djebah, who served as Commissioner for Information underneath Uduaghan, added, “He was resilient, forthright, educated and visionary. He was a great boss, friend, leader and astute administrator. His politics was highly refined. He led from the front, and with his heart.”
Uduaghan, a medical physician by occupation, ruled Delta State from 2007 to 2015, finishing two phrases in workplace.
Before changing into governor, he served as the state’s Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 and, subsequently, as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He succeeded former Governor James Ibori in 2007 and remained lively in Delta State and nationwide politics after leaving workplace in 2015.
Born on October 22, 1954, Uduaghan died three days earlier than his 72nd birthday.
