By Ayomide Otitoju
The Bayelsa State Government has confirmed the death of the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and declared a three-day period of mourning in his honour.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government said the passing of the deputy governor came with “deep regret and profound shock.”
According to the statement, Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 60. It said he had been active and performing official duties earlier in the day before collapsing while heading to a scheduled meeting in his office. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.
Governor Douye Diri subsequently declared a three-day state mourning, effective from Friday, and directed that all flags across the state be flown at half-mast.
“His demise is not just painful; it is a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Diri extended condolences to the late deputy governor’s wife, Beatrice, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of Bayelsa State. He also prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family and the entire state.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also confirmed Ewhrudjakpo’s death on Thursday night, following widespread concern after reports emerged that he had collapsed in his office. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party described the news as “shocking.”
“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief,” the statement said.
The PDP described Ewhrudjakpo as “a principled and consistent politician,” adding that he was “a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity and strength of character.” The party extended condolences to the Bayelsa State Government and people, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Ewhrudjakpo served as deputy governor from 2020 until his death. He was first chosen as Governor Diri’s running mate in the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election and was re-elected alongside him in 2023.
His death comes amid political tensions in the state. The deputy governor had recently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to restrain the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him following Governor Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October.
Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo was a lawyer and seasoned public servant. He previously served as Senator representing Bayelsa West from 2019 to 2020 and as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, during which he supervised major projects, including the Bayelsa International Airport.
An accomplished academic, he held qualifications including a Diploma in Community Health, a Bachelor’s degree in Secretarial Administration, an MBA, an LL.B., and a PhD in Human Rights and Labour Law.
