By Jimitota Onoyume
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and Ede Dafinone, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Emomotimi Guwor, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought and other political leaders have mourned former governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died on Monday at the age of 71.
They paid glowing tributes to the late former governor, describing him as a humble leader, mentor, bridge-builder and dedicated public servant whose contributions to Delta State would endure.
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died two days before his 72nd birthday. He was born on October 22, 1954.
‘His death is a personal loss’ — Oborevwori
Oborevwori, in a statement he personally signed, said he was deeply saddened by Uduaghan’s death, describing it as a personal loss.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (CON), former Governor of Delta State.
“For me, this loss is deeply personal. As a former Governor and leader, we had a personal relationship. I will fondly remember him for his simplicity, humility, and eagerness to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with the younger generation,” he said.
The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years of service as commissioner, Secretary to the State Government and governor, saying his contributions to the growth and development of Delta State remained an important part of its history.
He said Uduaghan believed in people and invested significantly in human capital development, both within and outside government.
“His love and compassion for others were truly remarkable. The Asaba International Airport stands as one of the enduring monuments to his legacy as Governor,” Oborevwori added.
On behalf of the state government and the people of Delta, he extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, children, family, the Itsekiri nation and residents of the state, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Uduaghan did his best as governor — Itsekiri Leaders of Thought
The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT) said Uduaghan added immense value to Delta State during his tenure, urging political leaders to learn from the cooperation and understanding that facilitated his emergence as governor from a minority ethnic group.
The group’s Secretary, Sir Sunny Mene, told Vanguard by telephone that Uduaghan’s death came as a shock.
“On behalf of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, we are saddened by the news of the passing of former Governor Uduaghan. It came to us as a shock. Well, God gives and He takes. All we can do is to commiserate with the families, the governor of Delta State and the people of Delta State. May his soul rest in peace,” Mene said.
He described Uduaghan’s emergence as governor as an example of the importance of cooperation and understanding in a multi-ethnic society.
“Uduaghan’s emergence as governor of Delta State from a minority tribe is a lesson on cooperation and understanding for the political class. It is what we need in Nigeria.
“Politics should not be a game of numbers, as some say, because it disenfranchises the minorities. His governorship is an example of the promotion of cooperation and understanding in a setting as ours,” he said.
‘He was my political father’ — Onowakpo
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who represents Delta South, described Uduaghan as his political father, mentor and benefactor, saying the former governor played a decisive role in his public service career.
He recalled that Uduaghan appointed him chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area after the 2007 elections and later made him the first Executive Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue in 2009.
“My entire journey in public service was charted by his kindness, trust and visionary leadership,” the senator said.
Onowakpo said Uduaghan’s administration pursued a three-point agenda focused on human capital development, infrastructure, peace and security.
He added that the late governor was committed not only to infrastructure but also to nurturing people and developing future leaders.
“Deltans have lost a detribalised leader, Isoko nation has lost a true friend, and I have lost the very man who considered my growth as his personal responsibility,” he said.
The senator extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the Uduaghan family, the people of Warri North and residents of Delta State.
Uduaghan was a distinguished statesman — Dafinone
Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central, described the late former governor as a distinguished statesman and dedicated public servant whose contributions to the state would remain indelible.
He said Uduaghan’s service as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and two-term governor reflected his commitment to public service and good governance.
Dafinone also praised his inclusive leadership, infrastructural development and efforts to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among Delta State’s diverse ethnic groups.
“His legacy of service transcended political and ethnic boundaries,” he said.
The senator expressed condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, children, the wider family, Oborevwori, the state government and the Itsekiri nation.
‘Calm in crisis, humane and decent’ — Omo-Agege
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege described Uduaghan as a calm, humane and decent leader, recalling their time serving in the administration of former Governor James Ibori.
Omo-Agege, who is the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Delta Central, said Uduaghan was Secretary to the State Government while he served as Executive Assistant to the governor.
“I knew him as calm in a crisis, loyal, humane and decent. He brought a doctor’s compassion into government,” he said.
He added that although their political paths later diverged, their mutual respect endured.
“He remained a brother across party lines: a gentleman, a bridge-builder and a man of peace,” Omo-Agege said.
He also credited Uduaghan’s “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative with laying foundations for economic diversification and said the former governor’s impact would remain visible across the state.
Omo-Agege condoled with Uduaghan’s wife, children, the family, the Itsekiri nation, Ibori and the government and people of Delta State.
Delta Assembly mourns former governor
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said the lawmakers were deeply saddened by Uduaghan’s death.
In a condolence message, Guwor, on behalf of his family and the Assembly, described the death as a profound loss to the state.
He said Uduaghan’s contributions to Delta’s socio-economic development and his service in various public offices would remain part of the state’s collective history.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and the entire Uduaghan family at this difficult time,” Guwor said, praying that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort those mourning him.
Iyovwaye: Uduaghan’s legacies will endure
The NDC governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, said he received the news of Uduaghan’s death with a heavy heart, describing the former governor as an elder brother with whom he shared a relationship built on mutual respect.
Iyovwaye said Uduaghan’s administration would be remembered for the Delta Beyond Oil initiative and contributions to healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development.
“While history will continue to assess his years in public office, his contributions to the development of Delta State will remain an important part of our state’s journey,” he said.
He extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.
Meanwhile, journalists who visited Uduaghan’s residence in Warri were asked to return from Tuesday. Security operatives at the gate said they were acting on instructions.
Some of the late former governor’s close family friends were, however, arriving at the residence to offer their condolences.
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