……The senator expresses deep sorrow over the passing of the former Delta State governor, paying tribute to his years of public service and praying for comfort for the bereaved family.Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed profound grief over the death of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan CON, who reportedly passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026.
In a deeply emotional condolence message, the senator mourned the late elder statesman as a revered patriarch whose life was defined by family devotion, public service and contributions to the development of Delta State.
She described his passing as a painful loss that would be deeply felt by his immediate family, the people of Delta State and Nigerians who followed his years of service in public office.
“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 said.
She noted that the loss of a family patriarch leaves an irreplaceable void, with grief extending beyond the finality of death to the absence of a beloved figure whose presence, counsel and memories have become part of the family’s history.
“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.
The senator also acknowledged the late governor’s contributions to public administration and governance in Delta State, noting that his years in government placed him at the centre of the state’s political and developmental affairs.
Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015.
His career in public service spanned several key administrative responsibilities, culminating in eight years as governor, during which he was entrusted with the leadership and governance of the state.
Reflecting on his years of service, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said the significance of a public figure’s life extends beyond the years spent in office, residing also in the memories, relationships and contributions left behind.
“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 all those mourning his passing, urging them to draw strength from their cherished memories of him.
She further prayed for divine intervention and comfort for the bereaved family, acknowledging the difficulty of navigating the pain of losing a loved one.
“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.
The announcement of the former governor’s death was made on behalf of the family by Toju Anire Uduaghan, who described the deceased as a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch whose passing had left the family devastated.
According to the family statement, Uduaghan was a source of strength and a respected elder whose presence would be profoundly missed. The family expressed gratitude to Almighty God for his life and service, while praying for divine comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others affected by the loss.
For the Uduaghan family, his passing represents not only the loss of a prominent public figure but also the departure of a beloved patriarch whose memories, values and influence will remain deeply cherished.
As tributes continue to reflect on his years in public service, his legacy will also be measured by the personal relationships he built and the lives he touched throughout his lifetime.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s condolence message concluded with a prayer for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for all those mourning him.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
