Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71.

Uduaghan died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, after a brief illness, according to a statement issued by his family.

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The announcement was signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on behalf of the family in a statement titled, “Announcement of the Passing of His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.”

The family described his death as a devastating loss to his loved ones, the people 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 statement said.

The family described Uduaghan as a father figure, brother, uncle and source of strength whose absence would be deeply felt.

Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954.

Uduaghan served in several senior positions in Delta State before becoming governor.

He was Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later served as Secretary to the Delta State Government between 2003 and 2007.

He became Governor of Delta State in 2007 and served until 2015.

Reflecting on his years in public service, his family said he demonstrated commitment to the human and infrastructural development of Delta State.

“His passing is a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large,” the statement added.

The family expressed gratitude to God for Uduaghan’s life, service and legacy, while praying for the repose of his soul.

It also sought comfort for family members, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.

“Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the family said.

Uduaghan’s death comes days before his 72nd birthday, which would have been on October 22.