Natasha mourns ex-Delta governor Uduaghan

Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing his passing as a profound loss to his family, Delta State and Nigeria.

PUNCH Online reports that Uduaghan died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, according to a statement issued on behalf of his family by Toju Anire Uduaghan.

In a condolence message, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the late former governor as a revered patriarch, father figure and elder statesman whose life combined family devotion with public service.

“Words are painfully inadequate to express the depth of my sorrow at the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. His death is a profound loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Uduaghan family at this incredibly difficult moment,” the senator’s statement partly read.

She said his death was not only the loss of a former governor but also the departure of a family patriarch whose presence, counsel and memories would remain cherished by those who knew him.

“Today, we mourn not merely the passing of a distinguished former governor, but the loss of a father figure, a revered elder and a man whose presence meant so much to those privileged to know him. The pain of such a departure is difficult to capture in words, particularly for a family confronted with the reality of saying goodbye to someone whose life has been woven into its history,” she added.

Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor in 2007.

He served two terms, leaving office in 2015.

Reflecting on his years in public office, Akpoti-Uduaghan said his contributions should be remembered beyond the positions he held, particularly through the lives he touched and the legacy he left behind.

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“Public office eventually comes to an end, but the memories of a life devoted to service endure. As we grieve his departure, we must also give thanks to God for the years He granted him, the responsibilities he discharged and the legacy he leaves behind. May that legacy remain a source of strength and consolation to his family and to all who mourn him,” she said.

The senator extended her condolences to the deceased’s relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and other Nigerians affected by his death, praying for divine comfort for the bereaved family.

“To the Uduaghan family, I pray that the Almighty God will grant you the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May He give you the strength to endure the days of grief, the peace to find comfort in cherished memories, and the grace to celebrate a life that has left an indelible mark on those who knew him. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” she said.

In the family announcement, Toju Anire Uduaghan said the deceased’s passing had left relatives devastated, describing him as a source of strength, a beloved father, brother and uncle, and a respected elder.

The family also acknowledged his contributions to Delta State’s human and infrastructural development during his years in public service.

“His passing is a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large. We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind,” the statement said.

The family prayed for God’s comfort for relatives, friends, associates and former colleagues mourning the former governor, adding that his memory would remain in their hearts.

“Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the statement added.