Delta responds to rumoured death of ex-Gov Uduaghan

The Delta State Government has debunked rumours circulating on social media alleging that former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has died, describing the reports as false and urging the public to disregard them.

The clarification came on Wednesday from the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Ovie Success, who said he personally verified the claim with members of the former governor’s family after inquiries began pouring in over the report.

According to Ossai, he contacted Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode Uduaghan, who confirmed that the former governor is alive and in good health.

In a statement posted on his X account, the governor’s aide said he decided to investigate the claim after several people reached out to him seeking confirmation.

“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,” he stated.

Ossai condemned the spread of the rumour, describing it as irresponsible and harmful, particularly to the family and supporters of the former governor.

He noted that false reports of a person’s death could cause unnecessary panic, emotional trauma and distress to relatives and well-wishers.

According to him, the growing trend of sharing unverified information on social media poses a serious challenge and underscores the need for greater responsibility among users of digital platforms.

“Spreading fake news about someone’s death is cruel, irresponsible, and causes unnecessary pain to the family and millions of Deltans who hold him in high regard,” he said.

The government spokesman urged residents and members of the public to verify sensitive information before sharing it and to rely on credible sources for news concerning public figures.

He reiterated that the former governor remains alive and healthy, dismissing the reports as baseless speculation.

Uduaghan served as governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015 and remains a prominent political figure in the state.