PHOTO: BRIPIN ENARUSAI
WARRI/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has visited the family of former governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, to express his condolences following the death of the former state leader at the age of 71.
Oborevwori, accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and senior government officials, paid the condolence visit to Uduaghan’s widow, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, and other family members on Tuesday.
During the visit, the governor described the death as a personal loss, recalling the relationship he shared with Uduaghan and the role the former governor played in his political journey.
Oborevwori said Uduaghan appointed him Special Adviser in 2007, an opportunity he described as significant to his career in public service.
“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 noted that the large number of people who gathered to receive Uduaghan’s remains at Osubi Airport, as well as those visiting the bereaved family, reflected the former governor’s impact on individuals and communities across the state.
The governor had earlier joined members of the family and other dignitaries, including Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode, and former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to receive the former governor’s remains at the airport.
Oborevwori described the deceased as a calm, articulate and thoughtful leader whose contributions to Delta State would remain part of the state’s history.
He particularly commended Uduaghan for the establishment of Asaba International Airport, describing it as one of the enduring infrastructure projects associated with his administration.
The governor also praised his predecessor for pursuing development beyond narrow ethnic considerations, noting that his approach reflected a commitment to the overall progress of Delta State.
He assured that his administration would continue to recognise and preserve worthwhile projects inherited from previous governments, citing modifications to the Effurun Roundabout Flyover as an example of the need to sustain and improve existing infrastructure.
“He has gone, but he can never be forgotten by Deltans,” Oborevwori said.
During the visit, the governor also signed the condolence register, expressing sympathy to Uduaghan’s wife, children, relatives and the people of Delta State.
In his tribute, he 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. His death on Monday, October 19, 2026, has drawn condolences from political leaders and other Nigerians who acknowledge his years of service to the state.
