Delta State has lost one of its own.
Former Governor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is dead. He was 71.
The news first broke via Sahara Reporters this morning, and was later confirmed by a statement from his family signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family. “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, who departed this world on the morning of 19th October 2026,” the statement read.
For Deltans, Uduaghan is not just a name on a list of former governors. He governed the oil-rich state for two terms from 2007 to 2015, after serving as Commissioner for Health and SSG under James Ibori. Many remember him as the doctor-turned-politician, calm, soft-spoken, who tried to push his “Delta Beyond Oil” vision.
In the last few months, there had been rumours about his health which his family had debunked, saying he was alive and receiving care. That is why this morning’s confirmation has hit many hard.
Social media is already filled with condolences from Deltans at home and in diaspora. Whether you agreed with his politics or not, his death marks the end of an era for Delta.
May his soul rest in peace.
Mary K. is a Staff Writer at XTrend.ng covering metro, lifestyle and human-interest stories. She brings trending voices from the streets to the screen — with clear, relatable reporting that connects.
