Former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71 in a hospital in Abuja after a period of illness.
He governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015 and held several public offices before becoming governor.
Here are 10 things to know about the late former governor.
1. He Was Born In Warri North
Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is of Itsekiri origin and attended Federal Government College, Warri, from 1968 to 1974.
2. He Studied Medicine At The University Of Benin
Uduaghan studied medicine at the University of Benin between 1975 and 1980, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. He also obtained a diploma in anaesthesia.
3. He Practised As A Medical Doctor
He began his career in 1983 as a medical officer at the Delta Steel Company. Between 1989 and 1994, he worked at several hospitals, including Westend Hospital in Warri, Benoni Hospitals in Benin City and Shell Hospital in Ogunu, where he worked as a consultant anaesthesiologist. In 1994, he established a private medical practice.
4. He Began His Political Career Before Becoming A Commissioner
Uduaghan was a founding member and chairman of the All Nigeria Congress Association in Warri South Local Government Area. He was also a founder and executive member of the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM).
5. He Served As Commissioner For Health And Secretary To The State Government
Under former Delta State Governor James Ibori, Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 before becoming Secretary to the State Government, a position he held from 2003 to 2007.
6. He Governed Delta State For Eight Years
Uduaghan became governor of Delta State in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011. He served two terms, leaving office in May 2015. He was succeeded by Ifeanyi Okowa.
7. He Was A Founding Member Of The PDP
Uduaghan was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), returned to the PDP and subsequently rejoined the APC.
8. He Was Married To Roli Uduaghan
Uduaghan was married to Roli Uduaghan, and they had two children.
9. He Contested For The Senate
After his tenure as governor, Uduaghan contested the Delta South Senatorial District seat in the 2019 general election but lost to the PDP’s James Manager.
10. He Died Three Days Before His 72nd Birthday
Uduaghan died on October 19, 2026, three days before his 72nd birthday on October 22. He was 71.
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