President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71. In a condolence message issued by the State House on Monday, October 19, 2026, the President extended his sympathies to the Uduaghan family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state over the loss of the former governor.
Tinubu described Uduaghan as a dedicated public servant whose leadership focused on the development of Delta State and service to Nigeria. He recalled the deceased’s career in public administration, including his service as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government before his election as governor in 2007. Uduaghan served two terms, leaving office in 2015, with efforts directed at infrastructure development, healthcare delivery and the welfare of residents.
The President noted that Uduaghan remained active in Delta State’s political and socio-economic affairs after leaving office, contributing to democratic governance and public service. He extended condolences to the former governor’s wife, Roli, his children, cousin and former governor, James Ibori, as well as his friends and political associates. Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Uduaghan’s soul and comfort for all those mourning him
Read the President’s personal message…
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON THE PASSING OF FORMER DELTA STATE GOVERNOR, DR EMMANUEL EWETA UDUAGHAN
It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to the Uduaghan family, the government, and the people of Delta State on the passing of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, at 71.
Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to our nation.
He served as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and was elected Governor of Delta State in 2007. His two-term tenure, which ended in 2015, placed him at the centre of the state’s political and developmental journey.
During this period, he pursued developmental strides to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of Deltans.
After his tenure as governor, Dr Uduaghan continued to feature prominently in Delta State’s political and socio-economic landscape, contributing to the sustenance of democratic governance and the advancement of public service in Nigeria. His passing is a great loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and the nation at large.
At this difficult time, I urge the people of Delta State to draw strength from the late governor’s years of service and the enduring relationships he built across the political and social terrain of our country.
On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Roli; his children; his cousin, former Governor James Ibori; and friends and political associates whose lives he impacted.
May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 19, 2026
