Mulade Mourns Uduaghan, Says Delta Has Lost a Political Colossus
Describes Late Ex-Governor as a Father, Peace Builder and Unforgettable Statesman
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
Delta State and the Niger Delta have lost a political colossus whose contributions to governance, peace and human development will remain indelible, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has said in his tribute to the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
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Mulade, the National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency and Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), described Uduaghan’s death as a monumental loss to Delta State, the Itsekiri Nation, the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Uduaghan reportedly passed away in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of CEPEJ’s Board of Trustees, management, staff and volunteers, as well as peace-loving people of Warri Federal Constituency, Mulade said the former governor was more than a former occupant of the Delta Government House.
He described him as a father, elder statesman and political leader whose life was defined by service to humanity.
According to Mulade, the passing of Uduaghan represents the departure of a political figure whose influence extended beyond party politics to peacebuilding, healthcare, infrastructure and the development of young people.
He noted that Uduaghan’s public service career, which spanned healthcare administration, the office of Secretary to the State Government and eight years as governor, demonstrated a commitment to governance and the welfare of the people.
Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 under former Governor James Onanefe Ibori, before becoming Secretary to the State Government between 2003 and 2007.
He subsequently governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), handing over to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on May 29, 2015.
Mulade said Uduaghan earned the popular sobriquet, “The Talk and Do Governor,” because his administration was remembered for projects and policies that went beyond political promises.
He explained that the late governor’s Three-Point Agenda of Peace and Security, Human Capital Development, and Infrastructure Development provided a framework for his administration’s priorities.
The CEPEJ coordinator also highlighted Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative, which sought to diversify the state’s economy through agriculture, tourism, entertainment, small and medium-scale enterprises, and industrialisation.
According to him, the initiative reflected the former governor’s recognition that Delta State needed to develop sustainable economic alternatives to crude oil.
Mulade said Uduaghan’s legacy would continue to inspire political leaders and future generations, particularly in the areas of public service, peaceful coexistence and economic diversification.
He extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan; his children; former Governor Ibori; the incumbent Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; the Uduaghan Royal Family of Abigborodo; and the entire Itsekiri Nation.
The former governor, he said, had touched numerous lives through his public service and commitment to development.
Mulade prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, associates and the people of Delta State the strength to bear the loss.
“Goodnight, Your Excellency. Goodnight, The Talk and Do Governor. Goodnight, Ewo of Warri Kingdom,” he said.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 20th, 2026
