First Daily Newspaper has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Bayelsa State following the sudden death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 60.
The deputy governor reportedly collapsed within his office complex while heading to a scheduled meeting and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where medical personnel made efforts to resuscitate him but later confirmed his passing.
In a condolence message issued by its Publisher, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, First Daily described the late Ewhrudjakpo as “a dedicated public servant whose calmness, loyalty and commitment to service left an indelible mark on Bayelsa’s governance landscape.”
The statement noted that the late deputy governor had a distinguished career, serving as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor from 2020 until his death.
Iworiso-Markson said the newspaper stands in solidarity with Governor Douye Diri, the State Executive Council, the late deputy governor’s wife, Barr. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all Bayelsans who are grieving the loss.
READ ALSO: Ewhrudjakpo’s Death Stuns Bayelsa, Diri Declares Three-Day Mourning
He commended Governor Diri for declaring a three-day State Mourning beginning Friday, December 12, during which all flags in government establishments are to fly at half-mast in honour of the departed.
“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a stabilising force in the state’s leadership structure—a man whose humility, dedication and sense of duty were evident throughout his public life,” the Publisher said.
First Daily prayed for God’s strength and comfort for the bereaved family and the people of Bayelsa State.
“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.
Read the statement in full below:
PRESS RELEASE
December 12, 2025
FIRST DAILY CONDOLES GOVERNOR DIRI, BAYELSA GOVERNMENT, AND FAMILY OF LATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR EWHRUDJAKPO
The management and staff of First Daily express deep sorrow at the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday at the age of 60.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, the Government of Bayelsa State, and the good people of the state over this devastating loss. The news of the deputy governor’s collapse within his office complex and the unsuccessful efforts to resuscitate him at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, has shaken the nation and left many in profound grief.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a distinguished public servant whose career reflected commitment, integrity, and loyalty. From his years as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, to his time in the Senate, to his service as Deputy Governor since 2020, he exemplified leadership grounded in calmness, diligence, and devotion to the welfare of Bayelsans.
We particularly commiserate with his beloved wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the wider Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all whose lives he touched.
We also acknowledge the decision of Governor Diri to declare a three-day State Mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast across government institutions—an honour befitting a loyal partner in governance and a man whose impact will be remembered for years to come.
At this painful moment, we pray that God grants comfort to the bereaved family, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State. May the gentle soul of Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
Signed:
Daniel Iworiso-Markson, PhD
Publisher, First Daily