Ayemidejor Mourns Uduaghan, Says He Has Lost a Leader, Friend and Benefactor

By Endurance Ikanone

Hon. Austine Ayemidejor, Special Adviser to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Transport and Aviation, has expressed profound sadness over the death of former governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a personal friend, political leader and benefactor whose passing represents a huge loss to Delta State and Nigeria.

Ayemidejor, who served as a commissioner under Uduaghan’s administration, said the former governor occupied a special place in his life, making his death particularly painful.

Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71. He previously served the state as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government before becoming governor.

Ayemidejor was appointed Commissioner for Special Duties, with responsibility for Asaba and Osubi airports, in November 2014, during the final months of Uduaghan’s administration. He also served as a special project director overseeing the Asaba Airport project, gaining experience in aviation-related infrastructure development.

His subsequent appointment as Special Adviser by Governor Oborevwori in April 2024 further brought his experience in public administration and aviation-related matters into the current administration.

Reflecting on his relationship with the deceased, Ayemidejor described Uduaghan as more than a former governor, noting that he was a leader whose friendship, guidance and support had made a lasting impression on him.

He said the late governor’s confidence in him and the opportunity to serve under his administration remained significant aspects of his public service journey.

Ayemidejor noted that Uduaghan’s contributions to Delta State, particularly in governance, infrastructure and public service, would remain part of the state’s history. He added that the former governor’s death would be deeply felt by his family, political associates, friends and the many people whose lives he touched.

The Special Adviser extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, Governor Oborevwori, the Delta State Government and the Itsekiri nation.

He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family and grant them the strength to bear the loss, while granting the deceased eternal rest.

For Ayemidejor, the passing of Uduaghan is not merely the loss of a former governor but the departure of a personal friend, mentor and benefactor whose influence on his life and career he will continue to cherish.