Bayelsa State officials have announced a three-day mourning period following the unexpected death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away after collapsing in his office on Thursday. The 60-year-old politician, a key figure in the state’s administration, leaves behind a legacy of public service that spanned decades.
According to a statement released on Friday by Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ewhrudjakpo collapsed around noon while en route to a meeting at Government House in Yenagoa. He was quickly transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, where doctors confirmed his death. The commissioner expressed “deep regret and profound shock,” noting that the deputy governor had been actively performing his duties earlier that day.
Governor Douye Diri declared a three-day mourning period beginning Friday, December 12, 2025, with flags in the state to be flown at half-mast. In a statement, Diri extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Barrister (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family of Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area, former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of Bayelsa. “His demise is not just painful; it is a great loss to the government, the people of Bayelsa State, and the nation,” the governor remarked.
Born on September 5, 1965, in Sagbama Local Government Area, Ewhrudjakpo began his formal education at age six, earning his First School Leaving Certificate before advancing to higher studies. He held multiple degrees, culminating in a PhD in Human Rights and Labour Law, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009 after completing his program at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he was described as a management consultant, legal practitioner, and community health practitioner with extensive professional experience.
Ewhrudjakpo’s political career saw him serve as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under the Dickson administration, where he played a key role in overseeing the construction of the Bayelsa International Airport. His political journey continued with his election to the Senate in 2019, where he represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District. He held this position until resigning in 2020 to assume the role of deputy governor alongside Governor Diri. As deputy governor, he was widely respected for his commitment to regional development and his advocacy for environmental issues in the Niger Delta.
The PDP confirmed his passing in a statement, highlighting his loyalty to the party and his longstanding service record. “Ewhrudjakpo was a dedicated public servant whose loyalty to the PDP was unmatched. His contributions to the party and the state will not be forgotten,” read the statement. Public speculation about his health emerged shortly after the incident, but the official announcement quelled uncertainties, emphasizing the need for unity during this period of mourning.
Under Section 191 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Governor Diri is required to nominate a successor for the vacant deputy governor position, subject to approval by the State House of Assembly. At this time, no funeral arrangements have been disclosed, as consultations between the government and the Ewhrudjakpo family are still ongoing.
Ewhrudjakpo’s death marks a significant loss for Bayelsa State, where his contributions to infrastructure, governance, and environmental advocacy have left an indelible mark.
The void left by his passing is already being felt in the state’s leadership, and many are reflecting on his lasting impact on both the political and social landscape.
