The Bayelsa State Government on Friday announced the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and declared a three‑day state mourning in his honour.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku‑Obiyai, the government said Ewhrudjakpo’s passing came with “deep regret and profound shock.” According to the statement, the deputy governor collapsed on Thursday while heading to a scheduled meeting in his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead. He was 60.
Governor Douye Diri ordered that all flags be flown at half‑mast throughout the mourning period, describing the loss as “a great blow to the government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation.”
Diri extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Beatrice, their children, the wider Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and citizens of the state. He prayed for God’s comfort “for the family and the entire state.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also confirmed the deputy governor’s death on Thursday night, following widespread concern after reports that he had collapsed in his office. In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the party’s National Working Committee described the news as “shocking” and said it had plunged the party into “profound grief.”
The PDP hailed Ewhrudjakpo as “a principled and consistent politician… a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity and strength of character,” and offered condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State.
Ewhrudjakpo served as deputy governor from 2020 until his death. He was first selected as running mate to Governor Diri in the 2019 governorship election and was re‑elected with him in 2023.
His death comes amid heightened political tension in the state. The deputy governor had recently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him for remaining in the PDP after Governor Diri defected to the APC in October. Diri had publicly stated he would not pressure his deputy to join the ruling party.
Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo was a lawyer, academic and seasoned public servant. He previously represented Bayelsa West in the Senate (2019–2020) and served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, where he supervised major projects including the Bayelsa International Airport.
He held multiple academic qualifications, including a Diploma in Community Health, a B.Sc. in Secretarial Administration, an MBA, an LL.B., and a PhD in Human Rights and Labour Law.
