The Bayelsa State Government on Friday confirmed the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and declared a three-day state mourning in his honour.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government described his passing as a moment of “deep regret and profound shock.”
“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 Deputy Governor was active and performing official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead,” the statement read.
Governor Douye Diri subsequently declared a three-day state mourning beginning Friday, directing that all flags be flown at half-mast.
“Governor Douye Diri has declared a three-day State Mourning in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast.
“His demise is not only painful but a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” the statement added.
Diri extended his condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Beatrice, their children, the wider Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of the state.
He prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state.