The Delta State Government has debunked social media reports claiming that former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has died, insisting that the former state leader is alive and in good health.
According to The Punch, the rebuttal came on Wednesday from the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Success, who said he personally verified the claim with members of Uduaghan’s family after the rumour began circulating online.
In a post on his X account titled “Former Governor Uduaghan Is Alive – Death Rumour False,” Ossai disclosed that he spoke with Orode Uduaghan, the former governor’s daughter, who confirmed that the report was untrue.
“I have just seen reports circulating online claiming that the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead. Some people have been reaching out to me asking, ‘Ossai Ovie Success, is the news real?”
“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 wrote.
Ossai condemned the circulation of unverified information, stressing the need for greater caution and responsibility when sharing news on digital platforms.
“I am disappointed at those who spread such false information without verification,” he said.
He noted that false reports about an individual’s death could inflict emotional trauma on relatives, friends and supporters.
“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,” Ossai stated.
He further appealed to the public to ignore the rumour and desist from forwarding unconfirmed reports.
“I urge the public to disregard the rumour and avoid sharing unverified information. Let us show respect for life and for our leaders. Dr. Uduaghan is fine and not dead,” he added.
