Delta State is mourning the death of its former governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, in a hospital in Abuja at the age of 71.
Uduaghan, who was widely described by his supporters as the “Talk and Do Governor,” died just three days before his 72nd birthday.
Born on October 22, 1954, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, the former governor had a career spanning medicine, public administration and politics before becoming the state’s chief executive.
Uduaghan studied medicine at the University of Benin between 1975 and 1980 after his secondary education at the Federal Government College, Warri.
He began his political career in Delta State, serving as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of former Governor James Ibori.
He later became Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, a position that placed him at the centre of the state’s administration before he succeeded Ibori as governor.
Uduaghan was elected governor of Delta State in 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and was re-elected in 2011, completing two terms in office in 2015.
His administration was particularly associated with the “Delta Beyond Oil” agenda, which sought to reduce the state’s dependence on oil revenues by promoting economic diversification and developing other sectors of the state’s economy.
He also oversaw several major infrastructure and healthcare projects during his eight-year tenure, including the development of the Asaba Airport and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Osubi.
His supporters subsequently adopted the “Talk and Do Governor” sobriquet, a reference to what they described as his emphasis on translating government promises into completed projects.
Uduaghan’s death had earlier triggered rumours on social media before his family officially confirmed the news.
The confirmation came in a statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan, who announced the former governor’s death after a period of illness.
His death has since triggered mourning across Delta State, with political leaders, associates, supporters and residents paying tribute to a former governor whose eight-year administration remains a significant chapter in the state’s political history.
Uduaghan is survived by his wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children and other family members.
