Jun 24, 2026

Delta State in Shock: Former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan Alive, Death Rumors Debunked

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Warri, Delta State – June 24, 2026 – In an era where unverified social media posts can spread like wildfire, a false report claiming the death of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the revered former Governor of Delta State, sent ripples of concern across Nigeria’s South-South region this evening.

Official confirmation from the family and close associates has now put the matter to rest: the former governor is alive and well.

The rumor erupted earlier today on various online platforms, with some posts prematurely announcing the passing of the 71-year-old politician, medical doctor, and statesman.

Concerned citizens and political figures quickly sought clarification, prompting swift intervention from family members and government sources.

Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, took to social media to quash the misinformation.

In a detailed statement, he revealed that he personally contacted Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode Uduaghan, who confirmed her father’s well-being.

“Dr. Uduaghan is alive,” Success emphasized, describing the rumor as “cruel, irresponsible, and [one that] causes unnecessary pain to the family and millions of Deltans who hold him in high regard.”

Born on October 22, 1954, in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Dr. Uduaghan hails from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

A trained medical doctor with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Benin, he practiced as a consultant anaesthesiologist before venturing into public service.

His political journey began in earnest under the administration of his predecessor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori. Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government, where he earned a reputation for improving healthcare infrastructure and staff welfare.

He was elected Governor of Delta State in 2007 and re-elected in 2011, serving until 2015.

As governor, Uduaghan prioritized human capital development, healthcare, and infrastructure. Initiatives under his watch included free maternal and child healthcare programs, which reportedly contributed to a significant reduction in infant mortality rates, alongside educational reforms like free schooling and support for students.

Supporters often highlight his role as a bridge-builder in a diverse and sometimes restive state, while critics debated the pace of infrastructure delivery amid the challenges of militancy and resource constraints common in the Niger Delta.

Post-governorship, Uduaghan navigated the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics with notable shifts: he moved from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018, returned to PDP in 2020, retired from active politics in 2022, and rejoined the APC as recently as May 2025.

He has largely maintained a lower public profile in recent years, focusing on family and private reflections on his legacy.

Uduaghan is married to Roli Uduaghan, daughter of the late Brigadier General Sunny E. Tuoyo (Rtd.), a former Military Administrator.

The couple has two children. Family sources describe him as a devoted husband and father, with tributes over the years underscoring the quiet strength Roli has provided throughout his public life.

This incident underscores a growing challenge in Nigeria’s digital landscape: the rapid dissemination of unverified death announcements, which can inflict emotional distress on families and communities.

In a statement reflecting broader sentiments, Success urged the public to verify information before sharing, calling for greater responsibility in the use of social media.

As of this evening, there has been no official statement directly from Dr. Uduaghan himself, but the family’s reassurance has brought relief to many across Delta State and beyond. Well-wishers continue to express support, wishing the former leader continued good health.

Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan remains a significant figure in Delta’s political history—a physician-turned-governor whose tenure reflected both the aspirations and complexities of leadership in Nigeria’s oil-rich but often underserved regions.

For now, the focus shifts from mourning to appreciation for the living legacy he continues to embody.