Bayelsa State was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the sudden death of its Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo. He was 60.
According to an official government statement signed by Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Honourable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Bayelsa State, and made available to The Atlantic Bell,
Ewhrudjakpo was carrying out his duties earlier in the day when he collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting within his office in Yenagoa. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, where he was later confirmed dead.
The news has sent shockwaves across the state and beyond. Governor Douye Diri described the passing of his deputy as a “painful and profound loss” to Bayelsa and the nation, noting that Ewhrudjakpo served with distinction across various capacities from Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to Senator representing Bayelsa West, and, since 2020, as Deputy Governor.
Diri extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Beatrice, their children, the larger Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, and former Governor Seriake Dickson, under whom the late deputy governor also served.
In honour of Ewhrudjakpo, the Governor declared a three-day State Mourning beginning Friday, December 12, with all flags to be flown at half-mast across Bayelsa.
“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.
