By Edeki Igafe

Mr Meshack Owhe, the Regent-elect of Umeh Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta, has declared Friday, a day of mourning in honour of the late former governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Owhe announced this on Tuesday in a condolence message on behalf of the people of Umeh Community.

He said that the  community would suspend trading, farming and all ceremonies from dawn to dusk on that day.

He described the late former governor  as a patriot, distinguished Delta indigene and one of the most illustrious sons of the Itsekiri people.

Owhe said that the legacy of service of the former governor would remain indelible in Delta.

The traditional ruler recalled Uduaghan’s special relationship with the community.

“The former governor visited Umeh on Aug. 24, 2011, following the Umeh Needs Road Facebook advocacy, that marked a turning point in Umeh history.

“Umeh is a largely undeveloped agrarian community that had remained without a road despite years of appeals to successive governments.

“Uduaghan’s decision to embark on the construction of the Umeh Road ended decades of frustration and opened a new chapter in the community’s development.

“Uduaghan came, saw and became our prince in a shining armour,” Owhe said,

He recalled that the road was completed and inaugurated on Feb. 14, 2015.

Owhe described the project as a dream come true for the Umeh people, who had long yearned for a motorable road to connect their community with other parts of Isoko land.

He said Uduaghan’s contributions to Umeh went beyond road construction.

According to him, the former governor also facilitated the upgrading and rehabilitation of a primary school in the community.

He described Uduaghan’s death as a painful loss, stressing that the people of Umeh would remain grateful for the developmental projects and his personal relationship with the community.

Owhe said the kingdom was also observing the three-day mourning period declared by the Delta Government from Oct. 19, with flags flown at half-mast.

He extended the community’s condolences to the Uduaghan’s entire family and the Itsekiri people.

that the former governor died on Tuesday at