Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Days Before 72nd Birthday

Former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has died at the age of 71, with his family announcing his death on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Uduaghan, who governed the oil-producing state from 2007 to 2015, died three days before his 72nd birthday. He was born on October 22, 1954, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State and was of Itsekiri origin.

His death was announced by Toju Anire Uduaghan in a statement issued on behalf of the family. The family described his passing as a painful loss, highlighting his influence on relatives and people across Delta State and Nigeria.

“With hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow, 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 described Uduaghan as a source of strength and a respected elder whose presence would be deeply missed. It also said his years of public service reflected a commitment to human and infrastructural development in Delta State.

Before entering politics, Uduaghan trained and worked as a medical doctor. He obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Benin before joining the Delta State Government under former Governor James Ibori.

In August 1999, Ibori appointed him Commissioner for Health, a position he held until 2003. Uduaghan subsequently served as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before winning the governorship election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He assumed office on May 29, 2007, and secured re-election in 2011, completing his second term in May 2015.

After leaving office, Uduaghan pursued a seat representing Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly but lost to incumbent senator James Manager. His political career later included moves between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). He joined the APC in August 2018, returned to the PDP in 2020 and announced his retirement from politics in March 2022. In May 2025, he rejoined the APC, with party leaders presenting him with his membership card at his residence in Delta State.

His death marks the end of a political career that spanned medicine, state administration and two terms as governor. The family said his legacy and the memories he left behind would remain with those who knew him and the people he served.