Bayelsa Begins Three Days of Mourning as Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Dies Suddenly

• Bayelsa State Government confirmed the sudden death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed en route to a meeting.

• Governor Douye Diri has ordered three days of state mourning.

The Bayelsa State Government on Friday confirmed the sudden death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, announcing a three-day period of state mourning in his honour.

According to an official statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the 60-year-old deputy governor collapsed on his way to a scheduled meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, on Thursday. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead.

“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,” the statement read.

“He was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day before he collapsed while proceeding to a meeting.”

Governor Douye Diri declared a three-day state mourning, directing all flags be flown at half-mast across Bayelsa.

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He described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as “a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” extending condolences to his wife, Beatrice, their children, the wider Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the state.

Also mourning the deputy governor, former Edo State Deputy Governor and Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, expressed deep sadness, describing Ewhrudjakpo as “a committed public servant who gave his best in every office he occupied.”