Uduaghan Dies Weeks After Death Rumour

Former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died, weeks after reports of his death circulated on social media and were subsequently dismissed by his family.

Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family.

The statement, signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family, announced the death of the former governor, describing it as a painful loss to his relatives and the people of Delta State.

“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 statement read.

His death comes months after a rumour circulated on social media in June claiming that the former governor had died.

The report was subsequently debunked by his media aide, Henry Unini, and the Delta State Government.

At the time, Unini confirmed that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but was receiving medical care.

“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” the aide said, dismissing the reports.

Uduaghan, who was due to celebrate his 72nd birthday on October 22, was a medical doctor before venturing into politics.

Born on October 22, 1954, he studied medicine at the University of Benin and qualified as a medical doctor in 1980. He subsequently worked at the Delta Steel Company before establishing a private medical practice.

His public service career began in earnest in 1999 when he was appointed Commissioner for Health in Delta State under the administration of his predecessor, James Ibori.

He later served as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before succeeding Ibori as governor in May 2007.

Uduaghan served two terms, leaving office in May 2015. His administration pursued initiatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic diversification, including the Delta Beyond Oil programme.

Among the projects associated with his administration were investments in health facilities, the construction of model schools and infrastructure development in parts of the state.

After leaving office, Uduaghan remained involved in politics and public affairs, including a brief defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in 2018 before returning to the PDP in 2020.

The family described his death as a profound loss to Delta State and Nigeria, expressing gratitude for his years of public service.

They also prayed for the repose of his soul and for comfort for his family, friends, associates and others mourning him.