Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, passed away on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, at a hospital in Abuja following a period of illness. He was 71 years old.
​The demise of the elder statesman and medical doctor was announced in an official family statement signed and released on Monday morning by family spokesperson Toju Anire Uduaghan (also identified in official family dispatches as Toju Andre Uduaghan).
​”It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, and patriarch, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan,” the family statement read, describing his departure on the morning of Monday, October 19, as a profound loss to the family and to the nation.
​Born on October 22, 1954, in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Dr. Uduaghan trained as a medical professional before entering full-time public service.
​His rise in political governance spanned several key executive roles in Delta State. From 1999–2003, he was appointed Commissioner for Health during the administration of Governor James Ibori.
He Served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in 2003-2007 and was elected Executive Governor of Delta State, serving two consecutive terms in 2007 – 2015.
​During his eight-year tenure as governor, Uduaghan pursued an administration anchored on peacebuilding, infrastructural advancement, and human capital growth, frequently advocating for industrialization and oil sector stability across the Niger Delta region.
​Reacting to the news, political figures and community leaders across Nigeria expressed deep condolences to the Uduaghan family and the people of Delta State.
​Specific dates, venues, and formal guidelines for the funeral rites and public memorial services will be communicated by the family and government representatives in subsequent updates.
