Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, don die at the age of 71. Family statement wey dem issue on Monday, October 19, 2026, talk say the former governor die on Monday morning.
The statement, wey the Uduaghan family sign, describe am as beloved patriarch, source of strength and respected elder statesman wey public service leave mark on Delta State and Nigeria. The family talk say grief and sorrow don weigh their heart down as dem announce the death of their father, brother, uncle and patriarch.
SaharaReporters also report say multiple sources close to the family confirm the death on Monday, but details around the death remain sketchy as of the time dem file the report.
The news come months after the family dismiss reports on social media say Uduaghan don die. In June, false reports spread on Facebook and WhatsApp, and his media aide, Henry Unini, come out to deny the claim. Unini talk say, “I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” and explain say the former governor bin dey face health challenges but dey receive proper medical care. He add say people no get cause for alarm and ask friends and Deltans to continue to pray for am and his family.
Uduaghan, wey dem born on October 22, 1954, serve as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 under Chief James Ibori. He later become Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, before e govern Delta State for two terms from 2007 to 2015.
As governor, he push the “3-Point Agenda” wey focus on Peace and Security, Infrastructure Development, and Human Capital Development. Programs like the Free Maternal and Under-5 Healthcare scheme and “Delta Beyond Oil” also start under him. The family talk say more details about condolence arrangements and funeral rites go come later.
