WARRI — Tributes have continued to pour in for former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, as political leaders, former government officials and prominent Niger Delta stakeholders mourn his death, describing him as a bridge-builder whose contributions to peace, unity and development would remain indelible.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore Oborevwori, on Tuesday joined members of the late former governor’s family to receive his remains at Osubi Airport in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
The governor and his wife later visited the deceased’s residence in Warri, where they commiserated with his widow, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, and other members of the family.
Oborevwori described Uduaghan as his political boss, recalling the support he received from the former governor and his appointment as one of his special advisers in 2007.
He paid tribute to Uduaghan’s contributions to the development of Delta State, particularly the establishment of the Asaba International Airport.
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“He contributed immensely to the development of Delta State, most especially the Asaba International Airport. He was a man of few words. He was very articulate, calm. He has gone, but he can never be forgotten by Deltans,” the governor said.
Uduaghan’s death was announced on Monday by his son, Toju. He was 71.
The late politician governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, having previously served as commissioner for health and secretary to the state government during the administration of former Governor James Ibori.
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Obi recalls brotherly relationship
Among those who mourned the former governor was the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, who recalled the cordial relationship they shared while serving as governors of Anambra and Delta states, respectively.
Obi described Uduaghan as an elder brother who treated him with affection and respect throughout their relationship.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my very dear elder brother, His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State. In my interactions with him, he treated me like his junior brother,” Obi said.
The former Anambra governor also recalled their collaboration in advocating the award of the contract for the Second Niger Bridge, which he described as a significant project for national integration, commerce and development in the South-East and South-South regions.
He extended his condolences to the Uduaghan family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state, praying for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul.
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NDDC chairman, Obaseki commend his legacy
The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Chiedu Ebie, also expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing it as a moment of collective grief for Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
In a condolence statement issued through his media aide, Jerome-Mario Utomi, Ebie said the former governor’s contributions to public service would continue to inspire future generations.
“Beyond the offices he occupied and the political milestones he recorded, Dr Uduaghan was a son of Delta whose life was intertwined with the aspirations, challenges and development journeys of his people,” Ebie said.
On behalf of his family and the NDDC Governing Board and Management, Ebie extended his condolences to the Uduaghan family and the people of Delta State, praying for the strength to bear the loss.
Similarly, former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described Uduaghan’s death as a painful loss to Delta State, the South-South region and Nigeria’s political community.
Obaseki noted that Uduaghan, a medical doctor by training, brought a strong sense of service to governance and pursued a vision of a Delta State capable of reducing its dependence on oil revenue.
According to him, the former governor invested in the welfare of the people and promoted cooperation among states in the South-South region.
He said Uduaghan’s contributions to the development of Delta State and the relationships he built during his years in public service would remain an enduring part of his legacy.
Iyovwaye highlights Delta Beyond Oil initiative
The NDC governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, also expressed grief over the death of the former governor, describing him as an elder brother with whom he shared a relationship built on mutual respect.
Iyovwaye said Uduaghan’s administration would be remembered for the Delta Beyond Oil initiative, which sought to diversify the state’s economy and strengthen other sectors beyond oil and gas.
He also acknowledged the former governor’s contributions to healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development.
The NDC governorship candidate extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, children, the wider family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State, praying for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
Evah describes Uduaghan as political bridge-builder
Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, Chief Joseph Evah, described the late former governor as a man with a heart of gold and a deep commitment to humanity.
Evah, a former publicity secretary of the Ijaw National Congress, said Uduaghan was one of the earliest political symbols of unity in the Niger Delta and a leader who built relationships across ethnic divides.
“Dr Uduaghan was the first political symbol of Niger Delta unity. He was a political bridge builder without bitterness. His distribution of infrastructures across the state was without bias,” he said.
Evah recalled Uduaghan’s visit to the Ijaw Monitoring Group’s office in Lagos in 2006, when he was seeking the governorship of Delta State, as well as his tour of the Niger Delta Hall of Fame.
According to Evah, the visit provided an opportunity for Uduaghan to appreciate the organisation’s advocacy for regional unity and its activities during the military era, including campaigns relating to the trial of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, the dredging of the River Niger without an environmental impact assessment and the decline of the region’s seaports.
He said Uduaghan recognised the representation of different ethnic groups in the hall as evidence of the shared history and aspirations of the Niger Delta.
Evah’s tribute reinforced the view expressed by several mourners that the former governor’s political legacy extended beyond Delta State to the wider South-South region.
Agbeyi mourns a detribalised statesman
Chairman of Ifiekporo Community in Warri South Local Government Area, Dr Monday Agbeyi, described Uduaghan’s death as a personal tragedy and a monumental loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
Agbeyi, who said he shared a close relationship with the former governor, described him as a father, mentor and confidant whose leadership was characterized by compassion, peacebuilding and a commitment to human development.
He disclosed that he was overwhelmed by shock and disbelief when he received news of Uduaghan’s death.
In a condolence statement, Agbeyi described the former governor as a detribalized Nigerian whose leadership transcended ethnic, political and religious boundaries.
According to him, Uduaghan consistently demonstrated a belief in the unity of Delta State and Nigeria, maintaining that public leadership should be guided by compassion, inclusiveness and a commitment to the common good rather than narrow ethnic or political interests.
Agbeyi said the former governor’s commitment to peace and unity would remain an important part of his legacy.
Former Delta Speaker, Djebah pay glowing tributes
Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Peter Onwusanya, also expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing him as a respected political leader who contributed to peace, unity and development in the state.
Onwusanya said the former governor was a leader who related with people across ethnic and political divides.
He commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, political associates and other mourners, praying for the repose of his soul and the strength for those he left behind to bear the loss.
Similarly, former Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah, described Uduaghan as a visionary statesman and a detribalized leader whose contributions to peacebuilding, human capital development and infrastructure would remain memorable.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened over the sad demise of this great leader, a patriot, and a very compassionate administrator who gave his all in his service to Delta State and Nigeria,” Djebah said.
He added that the former governor’s death had created a void that would be difficult to fill.
Djebah also recalled Uduaghan’s contributions to peace and security in the Niger Delta, particularly his role in efforts to broker lasting peace during the region’s period of instability.
Describing him as resilient, forthright, educated and visionary, Djebah said Uduaghan was a respected boss, friend, leader and administrator.
“His politics was highly refined. He led from the front, and with his heart,” he said.
As condolences continue to pour in, the tributes from political leaders, public officials and community stakeholders reflect the breadth of Uduaghan’s relationships and the impact many believe he made on governance, regional cooperation and the development of Delta State.
