The Bayelsa State government has announced the sudden death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed while heading to a meeting at his office on Thursday and died shortly after at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa. He was 60 years old.
State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement released Friday, revealing that the deputy governor had been actively performing his official duties earlier in the day before the unexpected medical emergency.
“The Bayelsa State Government announces with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D, on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at the age of 60,” the statement read. “The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.”
Governor Douye Diri has declared three working days of state mourning beginning Friday, December 12, 2025, with all flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the period. The government described the loss as devastating to both the state administration and its citizens.
“His demise is not just painful; it is a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” the government stated.
Governor Diri extended condolences to the late deputy governor’s widow, Beatrice, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of Bayelsa State. He prayed for divine comfort and strength for the bereaved family and the entire state during this difficult time.
The sudden death has sent shockwaves through Bayelsa State’s political landscape, with many expressing disbelief at the loss of a public official who appeared healthy and engaged in his duties just hours before his passing.
