Uduaghan, former Delta governor, dies after brief illness

Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71.

His family announced the death on Monday in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan, according to Punch. He died after a brief illness on the morning of October 19, 2026.

Born on October 22, 1954, Uduaghan was Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor from 2007 to 2015.

In the statement titled, “Announcement of the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan,” the family said, “His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria.”

The family described him as a ‘father figure, brother, uncle and source of strength’ whose presence would be deeply missed.