By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
DELTA STATE’s former leader, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has died after a period of illness, prompting tributes from his family and state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in recognition of the deceased years of public service.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Uduaghan died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, in a hospital in Abuja, three days before his 72nd birthday, a family member confirmed to the media.
Also, his death was announced in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family, which described his passing as a moment of immeasurable grief and profound sorrow.
“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 statement read.
The family said his death had left them devastated, describing him as a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder whose legacy they would continue to cherish.
He was born on October 22, 1954.
Uduaghan was a medical doctor by profession who held several public offices in Delta State before becoming governor.
He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 before his appointment as Secretary to the State Government, a position he held from 2003 to 2007.
Uduaghan succeeded James Ibori as governor in 2007 and governed Delta State for two terms, leaving office in 2015.
He remained active in Delta State and national politics after completing his tenure.
Oborevwori Mourns His Successor
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that incumbent Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing him as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the state’s development would not be forgotten.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Oborevwori sympathised with Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.
The governor recalled Uduaghan’s contributions to infrastructure development and his efforts to advance the state’s overall development beyond ethnic differences.
Oborevwori said the former governor’s years in public service had left a lasting mark on Delta State, describing his death as a loss to the state and the country.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of Uduaghan’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation and others mourning his death.
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