A community in Delta State has announced a day of mourning for former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, suspending trading, farming and ceremonies in honour of his contributions to its development.
Meshack Owhe, Regent-elect of Umeh Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area, declared Friday, October 23, a day of mourning across the kingdom.
Owhe announced the decision on Wednesday in a condolence tribute issued on behalf of the community. He said residents would suspend commercial and farming activities from dawn to dusk to honour the late former governor.
Uduaghan, who died on Monday at the age of 71, served as governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015.
Uduaghan’s Death: Umeh Kingdom Recalls Road Project
Owhe described Uduaghan as a patriot and a distinguished son of Delta State whose contributions would remain significant to the state and the wider Itsekiri nation.
He said the former governor had a special relationship with Umeh Kingdom, particularly because of his role in the construction of the community’s road.
According to the regent-elect, Uduaghan visited Umeh on August 24, 2011, following an advocacy campaign known as the Umeh Need Road Facebook initiative.
Before the visit, Owhe recalled, Umeh had remained largely undeveloped, with residents struggling for years to secure a motorable road. The community had reportedly appealed to successive administrations dating back to the former Bendel State.
He said Uduaghan’s decision to construct the road ended decades of frustration and opened new opportunities for the community.
“Uduaghan came, saw and became our prince in shining armour,” Owhe said.
The road was completed in 2015 and commissioned on February 14 that year. Owhe described the project as a major achievement for residents who had long sought better road access to other parts of Isoko land.
Former Governor Also Supported Education, Traditional Institution
Owhe said Uduaghan’s contributions to Umeh extended beyond road construction. He also credited the former governor with facilitating the upgrading and rehabilitation of a primary school in the community.
The regent-elect further recalled Uduaghan’s support for the traditional institution. He said the former governor appointed his father, the late King Ambrose Odiri Owhe, to the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers.
During the road’s commissioning, the late monarch adopted Uduaghan as a son of Umeh Kingdom and conferred on him the traditional title of Ovie-Elo.
Owhe said these actions strengthened the relationship between the former governor and the community.
Umeh Extends Mourning Period
The Delta State Government had earlier declared a three-day mourning period beginning October 19. The directive included flying flags at half-mast in honour of the former governor.
Umeh Kingdom will observe the state government’s mourning period and extend its own observance to Friday, October 23.
Owhe also extended the community’s condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, grandchildren, siblings and the entire Uduaghan family of Abigborodo.
The community said its decision to suspend activities reflected its appreciation for the late governor’s contributions and the lasting relationship he built with Umeh Kingdom.
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