Delta Declares 3-Day Mourning As Former Governor Uduaghan Dies At 71
ASABA, NIGERIA — The Delta State Government has declared a three-day period of mourning across the state following the sudden passing of its former governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
The medical doctor turned politician, who governed the oil-rich West African state from 2007 to 2015, passed away in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026. He was 71.
Official State Directive
In a statement released in Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed deep shock over the transition of the elder statesman. Consequently, he directed that all flags at public buildings and government facilities across Delta State be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu confirmed that the directive takes immediate effect.
“His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on behalf of the government and people of Delta State, expresses condolences to the Uduaghan family, the people of Itsekiri nation, and Delta State as a whole on this monumental loss,” Emu stated.
A Legacy of Peace and Infrastructure
Dr. Uduaghan’s tenure as governor was defined by his signature “Three-Point Agenda” focused on:
• Peace and Security – stabilizing the Niger Delta region during intense militancy.
• Infrastructure Development – dualizing major highways and upgrading regional markets.
• Human Capital Development – introducing free maternal healthcare and free healthcare for children under five.
Prior to serving as governor, Uduaghan served as the Commissioner for Health and later as the Secretary to the State Government under the James Ibori administration.
Burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
