The South-South Governors’ Forum and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday mourned the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The 60-year-old Ewhrudjakpo reportedly slumped around 1:30 p.m. in his office at the Government House, Yenagoa, and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later pronounced dead.
Though Bayelsa State Government is yet to issue a statement on the death, his media aide, Doubara Atasi, had earlier confirmed that the deputy governor collapsed and had been taken to a hospital outside the state, adding that “he is in a critical condition.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, said he received the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death “with shock.”
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Abiodun described the incident as painful, noting that the deputy governor collapsed while performing official duties and had “apparently defied illness to serve the people of Bayelsa State.”
He said, “I received news of the demise of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow.
“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.
“I know how painful and devastating this development is for my brother, His Excellency, Governor Duoye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally. I also deeply commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased.
“It is my sincere prayer that the Almighty God will be with them and give them the strength to survive this hour of pain and sorrow.
“No doubt, Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole have lost a gem, but we shall take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of service to humanity and made a profound change in the lives of people. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose.”
Similarly, the PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s passing had thrown the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and the entire PDP family—particularly members in Bayelsa State—into “profound grief.”
The party described the late deputy governor as an “honest and consistent politician” who embodied principle, conviction, and integrity throughout his public life.
The party, he was “a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character,” qualities he upheld until his final moments.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest,” the statement read.
The PDP extended condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State, describing the development as a “painful and irreparable loss.”
Suspicion
The death may not disconnected with his political crisis that might have snowballed into heart attack following his refusal to join Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri in APC.
Sources within the State House of Assembly alleged that the lawmakers, acting on the governor’s directive, have already commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.
In a swift response, Ewhrudjakpo had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja last month, seeking to restrain the Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment.
He said, “I received news of the demise of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow.
“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.
“It is my sincere prayer that the Almighty God will be with them and give them the strength to survive this hour of pain and sorrow.
“No doubt, Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole have lost a gem, but we shall take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of service to humanity and made a profound change in the lives of people. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose.”
