Bayelsa Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo: State Declares Three Days of Mourning

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, has died at the age of 60, the state government announced on Friday.

According to an official statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Deputy Governor passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Ewhrudjakpo, who was reportedly active and performing his official duties earlier in the day, collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting within his office. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.

Describing the incident as a “great loss to the government, people of Bayelsa State, and the nation,” the statement highlighted the late Deputy Governor’s distinguished career. Ewhrudjakpo had previously served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor since 2020.

Governor Douye Diri expressed heartfelt condolences to the late Deputy Governor’s wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the entire state.

In honour of Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Diri declared a three-day State Mourning beginning Friday, December 12, with all flags to be flown at half-mast.

The Governor also prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family and the people of the state, describing Ewhrudjakpo’s passing as deeply painful.

“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.

Recall that the deputy governor, who allegedly refused to defect to the All Progressive Congress (APC) with his principal Governor Duoye Diri, died on Thursday after slumping in his office. He was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead.