The Bayelsa State Government has declared three days of mourning for Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday after collapsing in his office at lunchtime.
The time of mourning will begin immediately, with all flags flying at half-mast.
Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, state Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, announced the decision in a press statement on Friday, calling his death “painful.”
Following the incident, there was public speculation about Ewhrudjakpo’s health while Bayelsans awaited the government’s official response.
Koku-Obiyai expressed “deep regret and profound shock” at Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden passing at the age of 60, saying, “The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day.”
The statement partly read, “He 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.
“His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation.
“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the state with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and Deputy Governor since 2020.
“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the Government and people of Bayelsa State, expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, Her Excellency, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and all citizens of the state.
“Consequently, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has declared a state mourning for 3 working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast.
“The governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state.
“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
