Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing him as a humane leader, a bridge-builder and “a brother across party lines”.
TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, aged 71, two days before his 72nd birthday, according to a family statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan.
Omo-Agege, in a condolence message, expressed shock over the former governor’s death, recalling their working relationship during the administration of former Delta State Governor James Ibori.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Delta Central, who served as Executive Assistant to Ibori, while Uduaghan was Secretary to the State Government, said he remembered the deceased for his composure, loyalty and compassion.
“I knew him as calm in a crisis, loyal, humane and decent. He brought a doctor’s compassion into government,” Omo-Agege said.
He noted that although their political paths later diverged, their mutual respect remained intact.
“Our political paths later diverged, but our respect for each other never did. He remained a brother across party lines: a gentleman, a bridge-builder and a man of peace,” he said.
Uduaghan served Delta State in different capacities, including Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government, before becoming governor in 2007. He held office until 2015.
Omo-Agege also acknowledged the former governor’s development vision, particularly his Delta Beyond Oil agenda, which he said had laid foundations that continued to endure.
“From Abigborodo to Warri, from Asaba to the creeks and plains of Delta, his gentle footprints remain,” he said.
The former Deputy Senate President extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli; his children, Orode and Toju; the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo; the Itsekiri Nation; Ibori; and the government and people of Delta State.
He also expressed sympathy with other Nigerians mourning the former governor’s death.
“We take comfort in knowing that he lived well, served well, and left a legacy that will endure in the lives he touched,” Omo-Agege said.
He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
“May Almighty God grant his noble soul eternal rest, and give his family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he added.
