President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, and other prominent Nigerians have mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71.
Other individuals and organisations that have expressed condolences include the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and Ede Dafinone, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought and other political stakeholders.
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, reportedly died on Monday, October 19, 2026, following a brief illness. His death came just three days before his 72nd birthday, which would have been celebrated on October 22.
Tinubu Pays Tribute President Tinubu described the late former governor as a dedicated public servant whose leadership focused on the development of Delta State and service to Nigeria.
In a condolence message, the President extended his sympathies to the Uduaghan family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state.
Tinubu acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to governance, infrastructure development and healthcare delivery during his years in public office.
He urged Deltans to draw strength from the former governor’s years of service and the relationships he built across Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
The President also extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, his cousin and former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, as well as his friends, associates and political allies.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for the bereaved family.
Oborevwori Declares Three-Day Mourning Governor Oborevwori described Uduaghan’s death as a painful loss to Delta State, the Itsekiri nation and Nigeria.
The governor said he was particularly saddened by the passing of his predecessor, whom he remembered as a humble leader, mentor and experienced administrator who was willing to share his knowledge with younger generations.
Oborevwori also praised Uduaghan’s contributions to human capital development, infrastructure and the growth of the state.
He identified the Asaba International Airport as one of the enduring projects associated with the former governor’s administration.
In honour of the deceased, the Delta State Government declared a three-day mourning period.
The directive, contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, also ordered that flags on public buildings across the state be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.
The governor extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, children, the entire family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.
Kalu Describes Death as Painful Loss Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing it as a painful loss to his family, Delta State and the country.
Kalu described the late governor as an accomplished medical doctor, experienced administrator and dedicated public servant who devoted many years to serving the people.
He recalled that Uduaghan held several important positions in the Delta State Government before becoming governor in 2007.
According to him, the former governor’s contributions to healthcare, governance and infrastructure development would remain part of his legacy.
Kalu also extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, children, family members, political associates and the government and people of Delta State.
Governors Mourn Through NGF The Nigeria Governors’ Forum also expressed grief over Uduaghan’s death.
In a condolence statement issued through its Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, the forum’s chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, conveyed the governors’ sympathies to the bereaved family and the people of Delta State.
The NGF acknowledged Uduaghan’s years of public service and the responsibilities he undertook while leading the state.
The forum said his death was a moment of grief for his family, associates and all those who valued his contributions to public service.
CAN Commends His Commitment to National Unity
The Christian Association of Nigeria mourned the former governor, praising his commitment to dialogue, confidence-building and national unity.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement, expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death and extended the association’s condolences to his family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state.
Okoh noted that the former governor’s efforts to promote understanding and preserve national unity remained significant aspects of his public service.
He prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family and eternal rest for the deceased.
Senators Pay Tribute Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South, described Uduaghan as his political father, mentor and benefactor.
Onowakpo recalled that the former governor appointed him chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area after the 2007 elections and later appointed him the pioneer chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue in 2009.
He said those appointments played a significant role in shaping his public service career.
The senator praised Uduaghan’s commitment to human capital development, infrastructure, peace and security, adding that the former governor invested in nurturing people and developing future leaders.
Similarly, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, described Uduaghan as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to the state would not be forgotten.
Dafinone commended the late governor’s inclusive leadership, infrastructural development and efforts to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among Delta State’s diverse ethnic groups.
He said Uduaghan’s service transcended political and ethnic boundaries.
Omo-Agege Recalls His Leadership Qualities Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege also mourned the former governor, describing him as calm, humane, loyal and decent.
Omo-Agege recalled working with Uduaghan during the administration of former Governor James Ibori, when Uduaghan served as Secretary to the State Government.
He said the late governor brought compassion into governance and maintained mutual respect with people even when their political paths diverged.
Omo-Agege described him as a gentleman, bridge-builder and man of peace, extending condolences to his wife, children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.
Itsekiri Leaders of Thought Mourn The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing his emergence and tenure as governor as an important lesson in political cooperation and understanding.
The group’s secretary, Sir Sunny Mene, said the late governor added value to Delta State during his years in office.
Mene urged political leaders to learn from the cooperation that enabled Uduaghan, who came from a minority ethnic group in the state, to emerge as governor.
He said the former governor’s political journey demonstrated the importance of inclusion and understanding in a multi-ethnic society.
The group extended condolences to the Uduaghan family, Governor Oborevwori and the people of Delta State.
Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor in 2007. He completed two terms in office in 2015.
His death has drawn tributes from political leaders, religious organisations, traditional stakeholders and other Nigerians, many of whom have highlighted his years of public service and contributions to Delta State.