Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has reportedly died at the age of 71, following a period of illness.
A family member, who confirmed the development to Channels Television, said Uduaghan died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, at a hospital in Abuja.
The family member described the former governor’s death as a devastating loss to the family and the many people whose lives he touched during his lifetime.
Uduaghan, a medical doctor by profession, served Delta State in various capacities before becoming governor. He was Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later served as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently succeeded Chief James Ibori as governor, becoming one of the prominent political figures in Delta State.
Meanwhile, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s reported death, describing him as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of the state would not be forgotten.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Oborevwori sympathised with the deceased’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the entire people of Delta State.
The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that the former governor contributed to infrastructure development and pursued initiatives aimed at advancing the state across ethnic and communal boundaries.
According to Oborevwori, Uduaghan’s years of public service left a lasting mark on Delta State, adding that his passing represented a loss not only to the state but also to Nigeria.
The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to grant his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation and all those mourning the loss the strength and comfort to bear the tragedy.
As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the reported death.