Uduaghan’s Death: Mulade Mourns ‘Talk-and-do’ Governor, Hails Legacy Of Peace, Development

By Ezekiel Kagbala

The National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Delta State, the Itsekiri Nation and the Niger Delta.

Uduaghan reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, barely three days before his 72nd birthday.

Mulade, who is also the Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), described the late former governor as a political colossus, elder statesman and a leader whose contributions to peace, healthcare, infrastructure and human capital development would remain indelible.

In a condolence tribute issued on behalf of CEPEJ’s Board of Trustees, management, staff and volunteers, as well as the peace-loving people of Warri Federal Constituency, Mulade said Uduaghan’s death marked the end of an era in Delta State’s political history.

He recalled that Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, earned the popular nickname “Talk-and-Do Governor” through projects and policies pursued during his administration.

According to Mulade, the former governor’s Three-Point Agenda of peace and security, human capital development and infrastructure development, alongside his Delta Beyond Oil initiative, reflected his vision for a more diversified and prosperous state.

He particularly credited Uduaghan with playing a significant role in peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta, arguing that his engagement with stakeholders and youth groups helped create an atmosphere conducive to economic activities and development.

Mulade also highlighted the former governor’s contributions to infrastructure, including the Asaba International Airport, road projects and the development of the Asaba capital territory.

He further recalled Uduaghan’s healthcare interventions, particularly free maternal healthcare and medical services for children under five, as well as the establishment of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, and model schools across the state.

The CEPEJ coordinator described Uduaghan as a leader who maintained an open-door policy towards civil society organisations and youth groups, noting that his support for peace advocacy and environmental justice in the Niger Delta would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Uduaghan was a father to me personally and a strong supporter of environmental justice and peace advocacy in the Niger Delta,” Mulade said.

He extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan; his children; former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori; the incumbent governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; the Uduaghan royal family of Abigborodo; and the entire Itsekiri Nation.

Mulade prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, political associates and the people of Delta State the strength to bear the loss.

“ You came, you saw, you touched lives, and you conquered. You fought a good fight. You finished your course. You kept the faith,” he said.

He concluded with a solemn farewell to the former governor, describing him as “The Talk-and-Do Governor” whose legacy would continue to feature prominently in the history of Delta State.