Bayelsa State was thrown into deep mourning on Thursday following the sudden death of its Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away at the age of 60.
According to an official statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the deputy governor collapsed within his office complex while heading to a scheduled meeting earlier in the day.
He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where medical personnel made efforts to resuscitate him but later confirmed his passing.
The government described his death as “a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation.”
Ewhrudjakpo, who had a long career in public service, previously served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and had been Deputy Governor since 2020. He was widely regarded as a dedicated and seasoned administrator.
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Governor Douye Diri, in a condolence message on behalf of the government and people of the state, expressed profound grief and extended sympathy to the late deputy governor’s wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all Bayelsans.
In honour of the late deputy governor, Governor Diri declared a three-day State Mourning, beginning Friday, December 12, 2025. During this period, all flags across government establishments are to fly at half-mast.
The governor prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family and the entire state, describing Ewhrudjakpo as a calm, loyal, and hardworking partner in governance.
“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.