Former Delta State governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has died at 71. He passed away Monday morning, his family said in a statement.

“It is with hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow that we announce the passing to glory of our beloved Father, brother, uncle, and patriarch, His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former governor of Delta State, who departed this world on the morning of 19th October 2026,” the statement read.

Mr Uduaghan served two terms as the governor of the oil-rich state from 2007 to 2015.

His family did not disclose the cause of death in the statement announcing his demise.

“His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria.”

The statement added, “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 family also prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.

“We pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will grant his soul eternal rest and comfort our family, friends, associates, former colleagues, and all who mourn this painful loss,” it stated.