The remains of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, have been received in Warri by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, family members and associates, as tributes continue to pour in following his death. However, funeral and burial arrangements are yet to be officially announced.
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, reportedly died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday on October 22. His death was announced by his family in a statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan.
The statement expressed the family’s grief over the loss of their beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch, describing his passing as a moment of immeasurable sorrow.
Key Highlights
- Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori receives members of Uduaghan’s family in Warri.
- Political leaders pay tribute to the former governor, remembering his leadership and contributions to Delta State.
- Uduaghan served as governor from 2007 to 2015 and championed the “Delta Beyond Oil” vision.
- Burial arrangements remain pending, with the family expected to announce details later.
Oborevwori Receives Uduaghan’s Family in Warri
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sadness over Uduaghan’s death and received members of the former governor’s family and associates in Warri.
Oborevwori described the late politician as a detribalised leader whose contributions to Delta State would remain significant. He also highlighted the Asaba International Airport as one of the enduring projects associated with Uduaghan’s administration.
The governor extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli; his children, Orode and Toju; the entire Uduaghan family; the Itsekiri nation; and the people of Delta State.
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, also joined other political leaders in mourning the former governor.
Omo-Agege described Uduaghan as “calm in a crisis, loyal, humane and decent,” adding that he brought a doctor’s compassion into government.
He recalled their time serving under former Delta State Governor James Ibori, when Uduaghan was Secretary to the State Government and Omo-Agege served as Executive Assistant.
Uduaghan’s Life and Political Career
Born on October 22, 1954, in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Uduaghan was a medical doctor before venturing into politics.
He attended Federal Government College, Warri, and the University of Benin, where he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
His public service career included serving as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently served two terms as governor between 2007 and 2015.
During his administration, Uduaghan promoted the “Delta Beyond Oil” vision, which sought to reduce the state’s dependence on oil revenue by encouraging economic diversification and the development of other sectors.
His tenure also featured projects and initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and public services across the state.
Read also:
- Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71
- Oborevwori Declares 3 Days Of Mourning For Ex-Governor Uduaghan
- Oborevwori Mourns Uduaghan, Says He Was A Detribalised Leader
Burial Arrangements Yet to Be Announced
As of Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the family had not publicly announced funeral or burial arrangements for the former governor.
The family indicated that further information regarding burial plans and memorial activities would be communicated in due course.
Uduaghan’s death has also renewed attention to false reports about his health that circulated in June 2026. At the time, the Delta State Government reportedly debunked the rumours after obtaining information from his daughter, Orode.
Meanwhile, the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid tribute to the late former governor, describing him as “the most media-friendly Governor that Delta State has ever produced.”
As condolences continue to come in from political associates, community leaders and residents, Uduaghan is being remembered for his years of public service and his contributions to the development of Delta State.
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