Uduaghan: Mulade Mourns ‘Talk and Do Governor’, Hails Former Delta Governor’s Legacy

Comrade Mulade Sheriff, National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency and Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a statesman whose legacy of peace, development and service would endure.

Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, three days before his 72nd birthday, according to a statement issued by Mulade on behalf of the Board of Trustees, management, staff and volunteers of CEPEJ.

In the tribute, Mulade described the former governor’s death as a major loss to Delta State, the Itsekiri Nation, the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

“This is not just the death of a former Governor. It is the fall of an Iroko, the exit of a political colossus, and a monumental loss to Delta State, the Itsekiri Nation, the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Mulade recalled Uduaghan’s background as a medical doctor and his transition from medical practice into public service, describing his career as one defined by service, loyalty, diligence and competence.

Born on October 22, 1954, in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Uduaghan attended Federal Government College, Warri, and the University of Benin, where he obtained his MBBS and Diploma in Anaesthesia.

He subsequently worked as a consultant anaesthesiologist at various medical institutions before establishing his private medical practice in Warri in 1994.

From Commissioner to Governor

Uduaghan entered the Delta State Government as Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 under former Governor James Onanefe Ibori.

He later served as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming Governor in 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He served two terms and handed over to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on May 29, 2015.

Mulade described Uduaghan as the “Talk and Do Governor”, saying the former governor’s projects and development initiatives spoke for his administration.

He said Uduaghan’s administration was anchored on peace and security, human capital development and infrastructure development, alongside the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative.

According to Mulade, the former governor’s diversification agenda demonstrated his understanding of the need to prepare Delta State for a future beyond dependence on crude oil.

Uduaghan’s Peace-Building Role

Mulade particularly highlighted Uduaghan’s role in peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta, including his contribution to the Federal Government’s Niger Delta Amnesty Programme.

He said Uduaghan’s peace initiatives in Warri and the creeks helped restore stability and create an environment conducive to economic activities and development.

“Without his peace, there would have been no development,” Mulade said.

He also credited the former governor with major infrastructure projects, including the development of Asaba International Airport, expansion of the Osubi Airstrip, road projects and drainage infrastructure across the state.

Healthcare, Education and Youth Development

As a medical doctor, Mulade said Uduaghan placed considerable emphasis on healthcare and human capital development.

He recalled the former governor’s introduction of free maternal healthcare for pregnant women and free healthcare for children under five, as well as the establishment of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara (DELSUTH).

Mulade also listed the construction of model primary and secondary schools and the establishment of a First-Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme among the former governor’s contributions to human capital development.

He said Uduaghan’s investment in young people contributed to producing professionals and public office holders who continue to play roles in the development of the state.

‘He Was a Father to Me’ — Mulade

Reflecting on his personal relationship with the former governor, Mulade described Uduaghan as a father and a strong supporter of civil society organisations, youth groups, environmental justice and peace advocacy in the Niger Delta.

“At CEPEJ, we will forever remember Dr. Uduaghan as a peace-loving leader who always opened his doors to Civil Society Organizations and youth groups. He was a father to me personally and a strong supporter of environmental justice and peace advocacy in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Mulade extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan, his children, the Uduaghan Royal Family of Abigborodo, former Governor James Ibori, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the wider Itsekiri Nation.

He prayed for the repose of the former governor’s soul and strength for his family and associates to bear the loss.

“Goodnight, Your Excellency. Goodnight, The Talk and Do Governor. Goodnight, Ewo of Warri Kingdom. Adieu,” Mulade said.