Senator Ede Dafinone has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to the state’s development will remain indelible.
Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.
In a condolence statement on Monday, Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said the former governor’s death was a significant loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
He said Uduaghan’s years in public office reflected a commitment to service and good governance, noting that his career spanned key positions in the state government, including Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and two-term governor.
“Dr Uduaghan was a distinguished statesman and dedicated public servant whose contributions to Delta State’s development will remain indelible,” Dafinone said.
The senator highlighted Uduaghan’s leadership style, infrastructure development efforts and advocacy for unity among Delta State’s diverse ethnic groups, saying his influence extended beyond political affiliations and ethnic identities.
“He will be remembered for his inclusive leadership, infrastructural strides and efforts towards promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in Delta State,” he stated.
Dafinone added that the late governor’s legacy of service “transcended political and ethnic boundaries,” underscoring the importance of leadership that brings people together despite their differences.
The Delta Central lawmaker extended condolences on behalf of his family and the people of the senatorial district to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan; his children; the wider Uduaghan family; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; the Delta State Government; and the Itsekiri nation.
He prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family and the people of the state as they come to terms with the loss.
“May Almighty God grant his family and all Deltans the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grant his soul eternal rest,” Dafinone said.
Uduaghan governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Political leaders and other stakeholders have offered condolences, with tributes focusing on his years of public service and his role in the state’s political and developmental history.
