• State govt declares three days of mourning
•I like you yesterday, at present and endlessly,’ daughter, Orode, grieves
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade, Kuni Tyessi in Abuja, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos and Sylvester Idowu in Warri
President Bola Tinubu has mourned former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who died yesterday aged 71.
The Uduaghan household introduced his demise in a press release by a member of the family, Toju Anire Uduaghan, describing his passing as a profound loss to the household, the individuals of Delta State, and Nigeria.
“It is with hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow that we announce the passing to glory of our beloved Father, Brother, Uncle, and Patriarch, His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, who departed this world on the morning of 19th October 2026,” the assertion learn.
The household mentioned Uduaghan’s demise had left a deep void, describing him as a beloved household patriarch, revered elder, and a determine whose life and public service touched many individuals throughout Delta State and the nation.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large,” the assertion added.
The household additionally expressed gratitude for his life and repair, praying for the repose of his soul and for consolation for family, buddies, associates, and others mourning his demise.
In a condolence message, Tinubu prolonged his commiserations to the Uduaghan household, the federal government, and the individuals of Delta State.
The president said, “Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose management was dedicated to Delta State’s improvement and repair to our nation.
“He served as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and was elected Governor of Delta State in 2007. His two-term tenure, which resulted in 2015, positioned him at the centre of the state’s political and developmental journey.
“During this era, he pursued developmental strides to enhance infrastructure, healthcare supply, and the general welfare of Deltans.
“After his tenure as governor, Dr Uduaghan continued to characteristic prominently in Delta State’s political and socio-economic panorama, contributing to the sustenance of democratic governance and the development of public service in Nigeria. His passing is a superb loss to his household, his group, Delta State, and the nation at giant.
“At this troublesome time, I urge the individuals of Delta State to attract energy from the late governor’s years of service and the enduring relationships he constructed throughout the political and social terrain of our nation.
“On behalf of my household, the federal government, and the individuals of Nigeria, I prolong my deepest sympathies to his spouse, Roli; his kids; his cousin, former Governor James Ibori; and buddies and political associates whose lives he impacted.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.”
Delta State Government
Delta State Government declared three days of mourning in honour of Uduaghan.
The mourning interval took impact from Monday, October 19.
In honour of the late former governor, the incumbent governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, directed that each one flags on public buildings throughout the state needs to be flown at half-mast all through the three-day mourning interval.
The directive, contained in a press release signed by Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, was a mark of respect for Uduaghan, who ruled Delta State from 2007 to 2015.
Sheriff Oborevwori, Ede Dafinone Mourn
Oborevwori expressed disappointment over Uduaghan’s demise, describing him as a detribalised chief, whose contributions to the event of the state wouldn’t be forgotten.
In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori sympathised with the late governor’s spouse, Roli, his kids, the complete Uduaghan household, the Itsekiri nation, and Deltans over the painful loss.
The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in workplace, stating that he made vital contributions to infrastructure improvement within the state.
He described the previous governor as a frontrunner who appeared past ethnic variations and labored for the general improvement of Delta State.
Oborevwori mentioned Uduaghan’s years in public service had left mark on the state, including that his demise was a loss to Delta and the nation at giant.
He prayed for the peaceable repose of the previous governor’s soul and requested God to consolation his spouse, kids, members of the family, the Itsekiri nation, and all these grieving his demise.
Senator Ede Dafinone, who the senator for Delta Central Senatorial District, described Uduaghan as a distinguished statesman, whose contributions to the event of the state will stay indelible.
Dafinone, in a condolence assertion he personally signed, expressed profound disappointment over the previous governor’s demise, describing it as a terrific loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
He said that Uduaghan’s years of service as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government, and two-term governor mirrored his dedication to public service and good governance.
According to the senator, the previous governor might be remembered for his inclusive management, infrastructural improvement, and efforts to advertise unity and peaceable coexistence among the many various ethnic teams in Delta State.
Orode Uduaghan
Daughter of the deceased former governor of Delta State, Orode Uduaghan, paid an emotional tribute to her father, saying her love for him would endure endlessly.
Orode, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Warri North I Constituency, expressed her grief in a short emotional publish on her official Facebook web page following the previous governor’s demise on Monday.
“Thank you for everything. I love you yesterday, today and forever. Sleep well Papa,” she wrote, including a love emoji.
Delta APC
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Uduaghan.
The celebration’s State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, in a press release by State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, final evening, mentioned the previous governor’s years of public service and contributions to Delta State would stay an necessary a part of the state’s political and developmental historical past.
Arenyeka described Uduaghan as a detribalised chief, achieved public servant and statesman who promoted unity, mutual respect, and peaceable coexistence among the many various ethnic teams within the state.
The APC chairman said, “The passing of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is a painful loss to Delta State and our country. He was a leader who recognised that our diversity is a source of strength and that the progress of Delta State depends on our collective commitment to unity, peace and development.”
Ifeanyi Okowa
Immediate previous Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed disappointment over the demise of his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
Okowa mentioned, in a condolence message, “I obtained with deep disappointment the information of the passing of my predecessor and brother, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
“As the governor who served Delta State before me, Dr. Uduaghan was an important part of our state’s journey. His years of service and contributions to Delta’s development remain part of our collective history.”
Okowa mentioned the demise was a painful loss to them as a household and prolonged condolences to his spouse, Roli, kids and the complete Uduaghan household.
David Mark
National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, described Uduaghan’s passing as a painful loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria.
Mark, in a condolence message, mentioned Uduaghan’s demise was significantly saddening, given his contributions to public service and the event of Delta State throughout his years in management.
In a press release by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbndiyan, the ADC chairman said that Uduaghan’s years in public workplace positioned him at the centre of efforts to advance peace, improvement, and improved residing circumstances for the individuals of Delta State.
According to Mark, the late former governor’s expertise in governance and his service to the individuals would stay an necessary a part of his public legacy.
The assertion mentioned, “Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s demise is a painful loss to Delta State and our nation. He was a public servant who devoted a big a part of his life to the service of his individuals and the event of his state.
“His passing is a moment of grief for his family, the people of Delta State and all those who had the privilege of working with him or benefiting from his years of service.”
Emomotimi Guwor
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, expressed sorrow over the passing of Uduaghan.
Guwor, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, mentioned Uduaghan’s demise was a terrific and painful loss to Delta State and the nation, significantly at a time when his expertise and counsel as an elder statesman remained invaluable.
Guwor described Uduaghan as a passionate chief whose imaginative and prescient, insurance policies, and dedication to public service positively impacted the lives of many Deltans throughout his eight-year administration.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan described her in-law’s demise as a profound loss to his household, the individuals of Delta State, and Nigerians, who valued his years of public service.
In a condolence message, Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned the deceased was a revered patriarch whose life mirrored household devotion, public service, and contributions to the event of Delta State.
She expressed sympathy with the Uduaghan household, saying his demise has created a painful void that will be troublesome to fill.
The Kogi Central senator said, “Words are painfully inadequate to express the depth of my sorrow at the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. His death is a profound loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Uduaghan family at this incredibly difficult moment.”
Christian Association of Nigeria
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in a press release by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, prolonged condolences to Uduaghan’s household, the federal government, and other people of Delta State.
Okoh mentioned Uduaghan performed a notable position throughout a interval of heightened political stress in Nigeria and counseled his dedication to dialogue and preservation of nationwide unity.
He described the previous governor’s passing as a loss to his household and to all who valued his contributions to public service and nation-building, praying God to consolation his household and grant his soul everlasting relaxation.
Jonathan Ukodhiko
The member representing Isoko North and Isoko South Federal Constituency within the House of Representatives, Jonathan Ukodhiko, described Uduaghn’s passing as a painful loss to the state.
In a condolence message by his Media Team, Ukodhiko commiserated with the late governor’s spouse, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his kids, the Uduaghan household of Abigborodo, the Itsekiri nation, and the complete individuals of Delta State.
The federal lawmaker, who’s Deputy Chairman of House Committee on Science and Technology, acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to the event of Delta State, significantly in public administration, human capital improvement, infrastructure and safety.
Ukodhiko mentioned, “This is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family and the Itsekiri nation but also to Delta State, which he served in various capacities, including as governor. I pray that God grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Government Ekpemupolo
High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly recognized as Tompolo, expressed disappointment over the demise of Uduaghan, describing his demise as surprising and a terrific loss.
Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, expressed his condolences in a press release signed by his Media Consultant, Dr Paul Bebenimibo.
In his condolence message, Tompolo recalled Uduaghan’s contributions throughout the interval of the Niger Delta agitations, significantly his assist for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the pipeline surveillance initiative launched throughout the administrations of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said that the previous governor performed an necessary position throughout a vital interval within the Niger Delta, when efforts had been being made to handle insecurity, promote peace, and enhance stability within the oil-producing area.
Tompolo mentioned Uduaghan’s contributions wouldn’t be forgotten, including that the previous governor can be tremendously missed.
Ambassador Oma Djebah
Former (*71*) Envoy to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah, expressed shock over the information of Uduaghan’s demise, calling the unhappy improvement an enormous loss to Delta State, Nigeria, and, certainly, all family members throughout varied worldwide jurisdictions.
Djebah added that the late former governor left a legacy of an enormous constructive impression.
He said, “I’m deeply shocked and saddened over the unhappy demise of this nice chief, a patriot, and a really compassionate administrator who gave his all in his service to Delta State and Nigeria.
“His death has created a void that would be very difficult to fill. I’m still short of words to convey my feelings over this sad loss.”
Djebah, who served as Commissioner for Information beneath Uduaghan, added, “He was resilient, forthright, educated and visionary. He was a great boss, friend, leader and astute administrator. His politics was highly refined. He led from the front, and with his heart.”
Uduaghan, a medical physician by occupation, ruled Delta State from 2007 to 2015, finishing two phrases in workplace.
Before changing into governor, he served as the state’s Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 and, subsequently, as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He succeeded former Governor James Ibori in 2007 and remained lively in Delta State and nationwide politics after leaving workplace in 2015.
Born on October 22, 1954, Uduaghan died three days earlier than his 72nd birthday.
