Tinubu, Oborevwori Mourn Uduaghan, Hail Former Delta Governor’s Legacy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, have mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a public servant whose contributions to the development of the state and Nigeria would not be forgotten.

Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, according to a statement issued by his family.

Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by the State House on Monday, extended his sympathies to the Uduaghan family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state over the former governor’s death.

The President described Uduaghan as a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to the nation.

He noted that the deceased served as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government before being elected governor in 2007, a position he held for two terms until 2015.

According to Tinubu, Uduaghan pursued developmental initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare delivery and the overall welfare of Deltans during his tenure.

The President added that, after leaving office, the former governor continued to feature prominently in Delta State’s political and socio-economic landscape, contributing to democratic governance and public service in Nigeria.

He urged Deltans to draw strength from Uduaghan’s years of service and the enduring relationships he built across the political and social landscape of the country.

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“His passing is a great loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and the nation at large,” Tinubu said.

The President extended his deepest sympathies to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli; his children; his cousin and former Delta State Governor, James Ibori; as well as his friends and political associates.

He prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort all those mourning him.

Similarly, Oborevwori expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing him as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain indelible.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor sympathised with the late governor’s wife, children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and Deltans over the loss.

Oborevwori recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to infrastructure development in the state.

He described the former governor as a leader who looked beyond ethnic differences and worked for the overall development of Delta State.

Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor in May 2007. He served two terms, leaving office in 2015.

Oborevwori said the former governor’s years in public service had left a positive mark on the state, adding that his death was a loss to Delta State and Nigeria at large.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of Uduaghan’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation and all those grieving his death.