- Safiu Kehinde
The Bayelsa State Government has declared three days mourning for late Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, beginning from Friday.
This was contained in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai in Yenagoa.
According to the statement, all flags are to fly at half mast all through the three working days mourning.
Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death was officially announced by the government about 24 hours after he slumped during a meeting on Thursday.
The 60-year-old deputy governor reportedly collapsed while proceeding to the scheduled meeting within his office.
He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.
Meanwhile, the state government expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased deputy governor, describing his demise as a great loss.
“His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the Government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation.
“Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the State with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and Deputy Governor since 2020.
“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the Government and people of Bayelsa State, expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, Her Excellency, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.
“Their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and all citizens of the State.
“Consequently, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has declared a State Mourning for 3 working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast,”. The statement read.
The governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire Bayelsa.
According to reports, Ewhrudjakpo, who is a very strong dependable ally of former governor Seriake Dickson declined to defect to the APC with his current boss, Sen. Douye Diri.
It would also be recalled that Diri defected to the APC with all the lawmakers in the state house of assembly except the trio of Dr God bless Oyinke, Ted Elemefuro and Wisdom Fafi.