Gov Diri leads tributes as Bayelsa mourns Ewhrudjakpo

The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day state mourning in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 60.

This was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, in Yenagoa.

According to the directive, the mourning period, covering three working days beginning Friday, December 12, 2025, will see all flags in public buildings flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

The government officially confirmed the deputy governor’s death about 24 hours after the tragic incident, which occurred at the Creek Haven Government House.

Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later pronounced dead.

The statement described his death as “a great loss to the Government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation.”

Ewhrudjakpo, a seasoned public servant and a pillar in the state’s political structure, previously served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor since 2020.

Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the government and the people of Bayelsa State, extended deep condolences to his widow, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the larger Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all Bayelsans mourning the tragedy.

“His demise is not just painful; it is a great loss to Bayelsa State,” the statement added.

Governor Diri also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family and the entire state.

Political observers note that the late deputy governor remained a steadfast ally of former Governor Seriake Dickson and notably refused to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his principal, Governor Diri, when the latter switched parties earlier in the year.

The governor’s defection to the APC saw all members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly cross over with him, except three lawmakers: Dr. Godbless Oyinke, Ted Elemefuro, and Wisdom Fafi.

The passing of Senator Ewhrudjakpo has cast a heavy cloud over Bayelsa’s political landscape, with tributes pouring in from across the country.

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