The Bayelsa State Government has declared three days of mourning in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Newsonspot reports that the declaration was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai. According to the statement, the mourning period begins on Friday, with all flags across the state ordered to fly at half-mast.
The government officially confirmed Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death about 24 hours after the incident. The 60-year-old deputy governor, who was serving his second term, reportedly collapsed while on his way to a scheduled meeting in his office on Thursday. He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.
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Following the incident, there was visible tension at Creek Haven, the Bayelsa seat of power, as news of his collapse spread.
Describing his death as a huge loss, the statement noted that Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served Bayelsa State with distinction. His public service record included roles as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, and Deputy Governor from 2020 until his death.
Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, extended heartfelt condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, his children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni federated community, former Governor Seriake Dickson, and all residents of the state.
The governor also prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family and the entire state during this difficult time.
Ewhrudjakpo was a close ally of former Governor Seriake Dickson. He reportedly declined to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Diri. While Governor Diri defected to the APC with most lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, three lawmakers – Godbless Oyinke, Ted Elemefuro, and Wisdom Fafi – did not join the move.
