The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day mourning period following the sudden death of Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday after collapsing in his office at noon.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, described his death as painful and a major loss to the state. She noted that the mourning period begins immediately, with all flags directed to fly at half-mast.
According to the statement, the 60-year-old Deputy Governor 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.
Koku-Obiyai expressed deep regret and profound shock over the incident, adding that the Deputy Governor was active and attending to official duties earlier in the day. Prior to the government’s confirmation, public anxiety had mounted as residents awaited clarity on his condition.
The government highlighted Ewhrudjakpo’s distinguished public service career, recalling his roles as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor since 2020.
Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, extended condolences to his wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the state.
The governor also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family and the entire state.
