Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed condolences to Deaconess Roli Uduaghan following the death of her husband, former Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died on 19 October 2026 at the age of 71.
In a condolence letter to the widow, Obasanjo said he received the news of Uduaghan’s death with sadness, describing him as a distinguished medical professional, administrator and statesman who contributed to Delta State’s socio-political development.
“On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to you, your children, the Uduaghan and Tuoyo families, and the good people of Delta State. Nigeria has lost a fine gentleman, a dedicated medical professional, and a consummate statesman whose steady hands guided Delta State through critical periods of socio-political development,” Obasanjo wrote.
The former president recalled his interactions with Uduaghan during his time in office, when the late governor served under former Delta State Governor James Ibori, first as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government.
Obasanjo said Uduaghan distinguished himself as an administrator and a calm voice of reason during periods of political tension and heightened agitation in the Niger Delta.
“Even during those turbulent political eras and the intense regional agitations in the Niger Delta, Emmanuel stood out as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason,” he said.
He added that their engagements on healthcare policies and federal-state relations deepened his respect for Uduaghan’s intellect, administrative skills and commitment to peace.
“It was during those intense years of engagement that I grew to respect his intellect and problem-solving capacity, traits that prepared him seamlessly for the higher calling of leadership when he assumed office as Executive Governor in 2007,” Obasanjo stated.
The former president praised Uduaghan’s approach to governance, saying his medical training influenced his emphasis on stability and practical solutions to the challenges facing the state.
“True to his medical training, he approached governance with a surgical, calming touch. He understood that peace and security were the foundational pillars needed to unlock economic prosperity,” he wrote.
Obasanjo also commended Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative, describing it as a forward-looking effort to diversify the state’s economy beyond petroleum.
He said their shared interest in sustainable development led to a partnership between Obasanjo Farms and the Delta State Government during Uduaghan’s tenure, aimed at promoting food security, wealth creation and employment.
The former president further praised Uduaghan’s healthcare policies, particularly the free maternal healthcare and free under-five healthcare programmes, which he said helped save lives and improve access to medical services.
He described the late governor as a source of wisdom who remained influential in public affairs even after leaving office.
Obasanjo also extended words of comfort to the widow, acknowledging the pain of losing a lifelong partner and urging her and the family to take solace in his achievements and the memories they shared.
“My dear sister Roli, I know that no words can completely erase the sharp pain of losing your lifelong partner. You were his anchor, his prayer warrior, and his grace throughout his public life. Do not mourn like those who have no hope. Celebrate the beautiful memories, his profound impact, and a name left untarnished,” he wrote.
He prayed for strength and peace for the bereaved family.
“May the Almighty God grant you, your children, and the entire family the inner strength and divine peace to bear this irreplaceable loss. May the gentle soul of His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo added.
