Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.
Uduaghan reportedly died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family.
His 72nd birthday would have been celebrated on Thursday, October 22.
The announcement of his death was contained in a statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan, on behalf of the family.
The family expressed profound grief over his passing, describing him as a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch whose life touched many people across Delta State and Nigeria.
The statement read in part, “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 family described his death as a significant loss, expressing gratitude to God for his life, years of public service and legacy.
Uduaghan was a medical doctor before venturing into politics and public administration.
He served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of former Governor James Ibori.
He subsequently served as Secretary to the Delta State Government between 2003 and 2007 before emerging as governor in 2007.
Uduaghan governed Delta State for two terms, from 2007 to 2015, before handing over to his successor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
During his administration, his government pursued healthcare reforms, infrastructure development and economic diversification, including initiatives aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on crude oil revenue.
After leaving office in 2015, Uduaghan remained active in politics and contested the Delta South Senatorial District seat in the 2019 general elections.
He was also associated with both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at different times in his political career.
The family has not disclosed the circumstances surrounding his death in its announcement. Details of his funeral arrangements were also not immediately available.
