Tinubu, Oborevwori, Kalu, CAN Mourn Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at 71

President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several prominent political and religious leaders have mourned former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, following his death at the age of 71. The Delta State Government has also declared three days of mourning in his honour.

The announcement of the mourning period was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu. As part of the arrangements, Oborevwori directed that flags on public buildings across the state be flown at half-mast throughout the three-day period.

Uduaghan governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Before becoming governor, he served as Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 and as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007. His death has drawn tributes from political leaders, community organisations and former associates who highlighted his contributions to governance, infrastructure development and peace in the Niger Delta.

In his condolence message, Tinubu described Uduaghan as a public servant committed to Delta State’s development and service to Nigeria. He extended his sympathies to the former governor’s wife, Roli, their children, his cousin and former Delta governor James Ibori, as well as his friends and political associates. The President urged residents of the state to draw strength from Uduaghan’s years of public service and the relationships he built across political and social divides.

Oborevwori also praised his predecessor’s leadership, describing him as a detribalised politician whose contributions to the state would not be forgotten. He recalled Uduaghan’s efforts in infrastructure development and his willingness to work across ethnic boundaries, adding that his death was a loss to both Delta State and Nigeria. Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, similarly described Uduaghan as an accomplished medical doctor, experienced administrator and dedicated public servant.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed sorrow over the former governor’s death and extended condolences to his family and associates. The Christian Association of Nigeria, through its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, also mourned Uduaghan, commending his commitment to dialogue, confidence-building and national unity. Senator Ede Dafinone and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege were among other political figures who paid tribute to his inclusive leadership and personal character.

Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, senator representing Delta South, described Uduaghan as his political father, recalling that the former governor appointed him chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area after the 2007 elections and later named him the first chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue in 2009. The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought also praised Uduaghan’s contribution to the state, urging political leaders to learn from the cooperation and understanding that helped him emerge as governor from a minority ethnic group.

Tributes also came from former Delta State Commissioner for Information Chike Ogeah, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited chairman Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Niger Delta Peace Coalition coordinator Zik Gbemre. Tompolo recalled Uduaghan’s role in efforts to promote peace during the Niger Delta militancy period, including support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and pipeline surveillance initiatives. Gbemre, who said he had strongly criticised Uduaghan’s administration in the past, praised the former governor for welcoming criticism and preferring dialogue to confrontation. Their tributes reflected the breadth of Uduaghan’s political relationships and the significance many associates attached to his years in public service.