Shock in Bayelsa As Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Passes On

By AUGUSTINA McSOLOMON-OGHAKPERUO

BAYELSA State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who slumped on Thursday while heading to a meeting and died shortly after at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. The state government confirmed his death on Friday and declared three days of mourning.

Information Commissioner Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai described the loss as a tragedy that has left the government and citizens in shock. Governor Douye Diri directed flags to fly at half-mast and extended condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson and all Bayelsans.

The PDP, through its National Working Committee, called his death “devastating,” praising him as a principled politician whose public service was marked by conviction and integrity.

Ewhrudjakpo, who had been Diri’s deputy since 2020, was serving his second term and had recently filed a suit to prevent an alleged impeachment attempt over his refusal to join the APC.

Before becoming deputy governor, he represented Bayelsa West in the Senate and previously served as Commissioner for Works, overseeing major infrastructural projects. He held multiple academic degrees, including a PhD in Human Rights and Labour Law.