Nigeria: Delta gov’t debunks death rumor, says ex-governor Uduaghan alive

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The Delta State Government has dismissed reports circulating online that former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has died.

In a Facebook statement on June 25, 2026, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s media aide, Mr. Ossai Ovie Success, said he verified the information directly with the former governor’s family.

“I immediately reached out to his family to confirm. I spoke directly with his daughter Orode Uduaghan on the phone, and she confirmed that the news is false. Dr. Uduaghan is alive,” Ossai wrote.

He condemned the spread of unverified death rumors, calling them “cruel, irresponsible, and causing unnecessary pain to the family and millions of Deltans who hold him in high regard.”

Ossai urged the public to disregard the reports and avoid sharing unverified information. “Let us show respect for life and for our leaders. Dr. Uduaghan is fine and not dead,” he added.

The clarification followed posts by some online media outlets last night claiming the former governor had passed on. The statement from the Senior Special Assistant on Media has since calmed concerns across the state.