Bayelsa Govt Announces Dep Gov Ewhrujakpo’s Death, Declares 3-Day Mourning

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has announced with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,

The Deputy Governor died on Thursday at 60 after he slumped and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Yenagoa, the state capital.

He was said to have slumped at around 1:30pm on Wednesday in his office, prompting an emergency response.

Eyewitnesses described him as being in a serious condition when he was taken to the hospital’s emergency unit.

There were initial reports that he was stabilised at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Though no official statement was released regarding the cause of his health issue, sources said it may be related to a cardiac emergency.

As the tension caused by the sad occurrence continue to attract sympathizers to the hospital, security operatives cordoned off the hospital.

Confirming the demise of the man popularly referred to as the ‘workaholic deputy governor’ the Commissioner of Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the deputy governor was active and carried out official duties earlier in the day.

She said, “He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.

“His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation. Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the State with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and Deputy Governor since 2020.

“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the Government and people of Bayelsa State, expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, , Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and all citizens of the State.”

She announced that the State Governor, has declared a State Mourning for 3 working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025, while all flags are to fly at half-mast.

The Governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire State.

A statement by former Governor and senator representing the Bayelsa West constituency, Sen. Seriake Dickson, saidDecember 11, will remain one of his saddest days.

He said, “I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant and politician. I have personally lost a dependable, loyal and principled mentee who was committed to the causes we pursue in public service — service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.

“Dr. Ewhrudjakpor was clearly the best among my political mentees. A rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness.

“He proved himself, especially at difficult times, as a politician of principle and conviction I had mentored him to be over the years. He exemplified the act of living a simple life with profound impact. Ewhrudjakpor was irreplaceable — formidable in intellect and learned, emotionally stable, mature and principled.

“Since our paths crossed in the ’90s, I took him under my wings when he was a union activist and I, a legal practitioner. He drew inspiration from our interactions to pursue further education and was inspired to study Law after his first degree — which he took all the way to a Doctorate, even as a very busy man. When I became Attorney General, he was my P.A. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was my Senior Legislative Aide. When I became Governor, he served as Commissioner for Works for almost eight years, dedicating all his time and energy to executing landmark infrastructural achievements across the state, even during the crippling recession.

He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When he was made, unfortunately, to choose between his office and his loyalty, respect and gratitude to me, he chose the latter, and went through a lot for the principled choices he made during the almost six years he served dutifully without complaining.

“There is no one who did not feel the impact of his service—the open-door policy and life of service, exactly as I taught them, and without betrayal to me or anyone. He listened to wise counsel and advice, which I was always available to give.

“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, of Nigerians, and of all humanity that encountered him. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least.“While we are devastated by this sudden and untimely loss, we must remain proud of his record of honest, dedicated, selfless, loyal and principled service to God and humanity to the very end. He will be sorely missed. In fact, I do not believe I can find any replacement for Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.”

He further stated that the family will announce, in consultation with the government, the funeral arrangements.