Emmanuel Uduaghan, the former governor of Delta State, has died aged 71.

Uduaghan, a two-term governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015, had been ill for some time.

He passed away on Monday, October 19, three days before his 72nd birthday. His family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan.

“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 reads.

“His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria.

“He was a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder. We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind.”