Councillor slumps, dies during football match in Delta

Tragedy struck in Evwreni community of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, as Hon. Obukoadata Aghoghofia, the councillor representing Evwreni Ward 8 in the legislative arm of the council, slumped and died while participating in a football competition.

The shocking incident has thrown the community and political circles in Delta into mourning, marking the third death of a serving councillor in the state within the space of nine months and a week. Two of the deceased councillors were from Ughelli North, while the third hailed from Emede Ward 5 in Isoko South Local Government Area.

Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, in a tribute posted on his Facebook page, expressed deep sorrow over Aghoghofia’s sudden demise, which occurred just hours after a meeting between them.

Egbo wrote: “I am not one given to emotional fits, but your sudden departure just three hours after we sat in my office, shared laughter and joked together, is a tragedy too painful to bear.

“You were an accomplished legislator whose unwavering dedication to public service and commitment to the development of his ward left an indelible mark on the current 8th Assembly.

“You may have gone the way of all mortals, Hon. Obukoadata Aghoghofia, but that moment of joy we shared remains a sad reminder of how fleeting and ephemeral life truly is.

“He served with distinction, and until his death, he was actively involved in legislative duties. His sudden departure is a heavy blow to us all.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ughelli North local government area, I mourn the loss of a brother, a friend, and an exceptional politician. His absence will be deeply felt.”

The late councillor’s death comes just over a month after another serving councillor, Hon. Agent Friday Ohwoevworuemu, representing Uwheru Ward 16 in Ughelli North, passed on following a brief illness on April 23, 2025.

The spate of losses has sparked concern across political circles in the state, as communities continue to grapple with the untimely deaths of their elected representatives.