BREAKING NEWS: Bayelsa Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo is Dead
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Hours after the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed while working in his office and was rushed to the hospital, Bayelsa State has been thrown into mourning following the announcement of his death.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the news was confirmed late Thursday night by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who issued an official statement announcing the tragic development.
OTN News reported earlier that Ewhrudjakpo had collapsed earlier on Thursday afternoon while working in his office in Yenagoa. He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where doctors battled to save his life. Governor Abiodun, who also chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, said the deputy governor passed away at the facility despite efforts to resuscitate him.
Prince Dapo Abiodun said, “I received news of the demise of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow,” Abiodun stated. “The incident came as a profound shock to all of us, but we submit to the will of the Almighty God, who has chosen to call him home at this time.”
He extended condolences to Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, the people of the state, and the family and friends of the late deputy governor.
According to him, “Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole have lost a gem, but we take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of service to humanity and made a profound impact on many lives.”
Meanwhile, the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also confirmed the news of his death.
In a statement issued Thursday night, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described the development as “devastating and an inexplicable loss.” He said the news left the party’s National Working Committee and members nationwide in deep grief.
Ememobong hailed Ewhrudjakpo as “a faithful party man” and “a consistent politician” who conducted his political journey with principle and integrity. He noted that the late deputy governor remained committed to the PDP even after Governor Diri defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last month, a move that ignited speculation about plots to remove Ewhrudjakpo from office and replace him with someone aligned with the governor's new party.
The PDP described him as a “hero of political integrity” and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the development.
Efforts to reach the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls or messages on as of press time.
Ewhrudjakpo, who was born September 5 1965, served as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State under Governor Douye Diri from 2020 until his death.
He represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly from 2019 to 2020, before becoming deputy governor,
His passing marks a significant loss to the state and the party, where he was widely regarded as a figure of integrity and principled leadership.
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