By NEWSCOUNT Desk
Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71.
Uduaghan reportedly died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, at a hospital in Abuja after a period of illness, according to reports citing family sources. His death was formally announced by his family in a statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan.
The family expressed profound grief over the loss, describing the late former governor as a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch whose life and public service touched many people across Delta State and Nigeria.
His death came three days before his 72nd birthday, which would have been celebrated on October 22.
A medical doctor by profession, Uduaghan served Delta State in several 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 was elected governor in 2007, succeeding James Ibori, and governed the oil-producing state for two consecutive terms until May 29, 2015, when he handed over to Ifeanyi Okowa.
During his administration, his government pursued programmes in healthcare, infrastructure, education, peace and security, as well as economic diversification under the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative, which sought to reduce the state’s dependence on crude oil revenue.
Following his tenure, Uduaghan remained involved in public and political affairs. He contested the Delta South Senatorial District seat in 2019 but lost to then-incumbent Senator James Manager.
In its announcement, the family expressed gratitude to God for his life and contributions to public service and prayed for comfort for his wife, children, relatives, friends, associates and former colleagues mourning his passing.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to the Uduaghan family and the people of Delta State, describing the death as a loss to the state and the nation.
Funeral arrangements had not been announced in the reports available at the time of filing this report.
