Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday received the remains of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at Osubi Airport and later visited his family to offer condolences following his death on Monday at the age of 71.
Oborevwori, accompanied by his wife, Tobore Oborevwori, and top government functionaries, joined family members and other dignitaries, including Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode, and former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to receive the remains.
During a subsequent visit to the deceased’s widow, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, and other family members, the governor described the late former governor as a great leader whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain indelible.
He said the large number of people who gathered to receive Uduaghan’s remains and commiserate with his family reflected the impact he had made on many lives.
Oborevwori recalled his relationship with the deceased, describing him as his former boss who played a significant role in his political journey.
“He was my boss. He gave me the highest political appointment, Special Adviser, in 2007. That is something that really touches my heart. You are all aware that he supported me throughout this journey,” the governor said.
He described Uduaghan as a calm, articulate and thoughtful leader who made significant contributions to the state’s development.
Oborevwori particularly commended the late governor for building the Asaba International Airport, describing it as one of his enduring legacies and an important asset to Delta State.
He said Uduaghan’s decision to execute development projects beyond narrow ethnic considerations demonstrated his commitment to the overall progress of the state.
The governor added that his administration would continue to recognise and preserve worthy projects inherited from previous administrations, citing the ongoing modification of the Effurun Roundabout Flyover as an example of sustaining existing infrastructure while making necessary improvements.
“He has gone, but he can never be forgotten by Deltans,” Oborevwori said.
![UPDATED] Ex-Delta Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies At 71, Oborevwori Mourns • Channels Television](https://www.channelstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Emmanuel-Uduaghan-1.jpg)
Earlier, the governor signed the condolence register, expressing sadness over Uduaghan’s death and commiserating with his widow, children, other family members and the people of Delta State.
In his tribute, Oborevwori wrote, “I am saddened by the demise of the former Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. He was a great boss. I commiserate with his beloved wife, children, family members and Deltans over this great loss.
“May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Your impact in Delta can never be forgotten. Asamaigor, RIP.”
Uduaghan governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015. He died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days to his 72nd birthday.
Reacting to his death, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a press statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Tuesday, said the news was received with sadness, noting that “Nigeria has lost a fine gentleman, a dedicated medical professional, and a consummate statesman whose steady hands guided Delta State through critical periods of socio-political development.
“I fondly remember my close interactions with Emmanuel during my tenure as President, when he served with distinction under Governor James Ibori, first as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“Even during those turbulent political eras and the intense regional agitations in the Niger Delta, Emmanuel stood out as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason.
“Whether we were interfacing on critical healthcare policies or navigating complex federal-state dynamics, his administrative acumen and loyalty to the peace and progress of Delta State were always evident.
“It was during those intense years of engagement that I grew to respect his intellect and problem-solving capacity, traits that prepared him seamlessly for the higher calling of leadership when he assumed office as Executive Governor in 2007.”
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed shock over the death of Uduaghan, describing it as a great loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta region.
