*PRESS RELEASE*

Former Deputy President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has expressed profound shock over the death of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.

Uduaghan, who served as Governor from 2007 to 2015, passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, according to a family statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan.

In a condolence message personally signed by him, Senator Omo-Agege described Uduaghan’s death as a profound personal loss, recalling their days together in the James Ibori administration.

*The statement reads in full:*

I received with profound shock the news of the passing of His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, who departed this morning.

This is a profound loss. We served together under our leader, Chief James Ibori. He was Secretary to the State Government, and I was Executive Assistant to the Governor. I knew him as calm in a crisis, loyal, humane and decent. He brought a doctor’s compassion into government.

Our political paths later diverged, but our respect for each other never did. He remained a brother across party lines: a gentleman, a bridge-builder and a man of peace.

Dr. Uduaghan served Delta with uncommon grace, first as Commissioner for Health, then as Secretary to the State Government, and finally as Governor from 2007 to 2015. His vision of Delta Beyond Oil laid foundations that still stand.

From Abigborodo to Warri, from Asaba to the creeks and plains of Delta, his gentle footprints remain.

On behalf of my family, my political family and the good people of Delta Central, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Her Excellency Roli Uduaghan; his children, Orode and Toju; the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo; the Itsekiri Nation; our leader, Chief James Ibori; the Government and people of Delta State; and all who mourn him.

We take comfort in knowing that he lived well, served well, and left a legacy that will endure in the lives he touched.

May Almighty God grant his noble soul eternal rest, and give his family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Adieu, Your Excellency.

His Excellency Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, KSJI
Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Obarisi of Urhoboland

Dr. Uduaghan was aged 71, two days shy of his 72nd birthday.