[UPDATED] Ex-Delta Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies At 71, Oborevwori Mourns

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, is dead.

A family member, who confirmed his death to Channels Television, said Uduaghan died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, in a hospital in Abuja, after a period of illness.

He described the former governor’s passing as a devastating loss to the family and all those whose lives he touched.

Uduaghan, a medical doctor by profession, held several public offices in Delta State before becoming governor.

He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, before succeeding James Ibori as governor.

He governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, completing two terms in office.

After leaving office, Uduaghan remained active in Delta State and national politics.

As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had yet to issue an official statement on his death.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed sadness over the death, describing Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of the state would not be forgotten.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State over the loss.

Oborevwori recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to infrastructure development and worked towards the overall development of the state, beyond ethnic differences.

The governor said the former governor’s years in public service had left a lasting mark on Delta State, adding that his death was a loss to the state and the country at large.

Oborevwori prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation, and all those mourning his death.

Uduaghan was 71 years old.