Bayelsa in mourning as Governor orders autopsy on Ewhrudjakpo

Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa State, has directed that an autopsy be carried out to determine the cause of death of the state’s deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The governor gave the directive on Saturday while hosting former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa, as the state continues to mourn the sudden passing of the deputy governor.

Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday after collapsing in his office. He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Diri expressed concern over what he described as unhealthy speculations and politicisation of the death on social media, warning against turning the tragedy into a political issue.

“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the death of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” the governor said.

He explained that the decision to conduct an autopsy was aimed at putting an end to rumours and misinformation surrounding the incident.

“I have directed that an autopsy be done to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media,” Diri stated, adding that the state had declared three working days of mourning in honour of the late deputy governor.

The governor urged those wishing to pay tribute to restrict themselves to mourning and eulogies, stressing that Bayelsa is in a period of sober reflection.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who visited the Government House to condole with the state, described Ewhrudjakpo as a dedicated public servant whose commitment stood out.

Jonathan said the late deputy governor consistently represented the Bayelsa State Government at programmes organised by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation, including events held in Accra, Ghana, and Abuja.

“I was also a deputy governor, but he worked harder than me. He appeared not to rest,” Jonathan said, describing the loss as deeply painful for the state.

He added that Ewhrudjakpo’s death serves as a reminder of the need for leaders to balance public service with personal wellbeing, while praying for God’s comfort for Bayelsa State and the immediate family of the deceased.

The visit by the former president formed part of ongoing condolence activities as Bayelsa continues to mourn the loss of its deputy governor.

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