The Delta Unity Group (DUG) has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a healer, bridge builder and statesman who promoted unity across ethnic divides.
TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Uduaghan died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026.
In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Sir Sunny Areh, the group said the former governor’s death represented not just the loss of a former political officeholder but the departure of a leader who united the people of Delta State.
“For us in DUG, this is not just the loss of a former Governor; it is the exit of a unifier,” the statement said.
The group described Uduaghan as a leader who embodied the diversity of Delta State, noting that his relationships and service cut across the state’s ethnic groups.
“Dr Uduaghan was Delta in its truest essence: An Itsekiri by birth, Urhobo by adoption, Isoko by bond, Anioma by love and Ijaw by service,” it said.
It added that in a state often divided along ethnic lines, Uduaghan “lived and led as a bridge”, stressing that he belonged to all communities in Delta State.
Reflecting on his career, DUG said Uduaghan approached governance with the compassion of a medical doctor, from his time at the Delta Steel Company Hospital to his appointment as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and, eventually, governor between 2007 and 2015.
The group credited him with promoting primary healthcare and pursuing policies aimed at improving human capital development, peace and security, rural healthcare and education.
It also highlighted his Delta Beyond Oil vision, describing it as a deliberate effort to reduce the state’s dependence on oil revenue and diversify its economy.
According to the statement, his investments in human capital and public services, alongside his policy of “finishing strong”, remain among his enduring legacies.
DUG further described the late governor as a gentleman whose leadership style was characterised by calmness, consultation and reconciliation.
“He was a gentleman in an era of brashness. A man who never raised his voice, but whose quiet decisions spoke volumes. A leader who believed power should be used to reconcile, not to divide,” the group said.
The organisation extended its condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan; his children, Orode and Toju; the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo; the Itsekiri Nation; and the government and people of Delta State.
It also expressed sympathy with former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, whom it described as having lost an elder brother, confidant and faithful lieutenant.
The group said Uduaghan exemplified loyalty, brotherhood and service through his commitment to his political leader, his people and Delta State.
“No one exemplified those three virtues better than Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan. He was loyal to his leader, loyal to his people, and loyal to Delta State till his last breath,” it said.
Paying its final tribute, DUG added: “He has finished his race. He has kept his faith.”
The group prayed for the repose of the former governor’s soul and the strength for his family and the people of Delta State to bear the loss.
“Adieu, the Doctor-Governor! Adieu, the gentle giant of Delta politics!” the statement concluded.