Bayelsa State has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of its Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed in his Government House office in Yenagoa on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Ewhrudjakpo, aged 60, was pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, shortly after being rushed there following the collapse.
Eyewitnesses say the deputy governor slumped abruptly around 1:30 p.m. while carrying out his official duties. Staff and aides immediately responded, and he was transported straight to the hospital’s emergency unit. According to reports, Ewhrudjakpo arrived unconscious and was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where medical personnel worked intensely to revive him before he was officially pronounced dead.
Formal details on the precise medical cause of his sudden collapse remain limited, and no official medical statement has been released. However, several sources suggest the incident may have been linked to a possible cardiac-related emergency, with medical experts noting such conditions can strike swiftly and without warning.
News of his passing was confirmed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, ini Ememobong. The PDP said it received the news “with deep shock” and described Ewhrudjakpo as a “trusted, faithful party man” whose death has thrown the party’s National Working Committee and members in Bayelsa into profound grief.
In the party’s statement, Ewhrudjakpo was remembered as an “honest and consistent politician” whose life was grounded in principle, conviction, and integrity. The PDP prayed for his soul to find eternal rest and extended heartfelt condolences to the Bayelsa State government and people in their time of loss.
Governor Douye Diri, under whom Ewhrudjakpo served as deputy governor since 2020, has also been reported to be deeply affected by the loss. While the state government was yet to issue an official statement at the time of reporting, senior officials and political associates were among those who visited the hospital and offered condolences to the family and aides.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, expressed profound sadness over the news, stating he received it “with deep sorrow” and describing Ewhrudjakpo as a “dependable ally” and a “gem” whose life was devoted to service. Abiodun urged the governor, the family, and the people of Bayelsa to find strength in the deputy governor’s legacy of service to humanity.
Born on September 5, 1965, in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa, Ewhrudjakpo had a long and distinguished political career. Before becoming deputy governor, he served as a federal lawmaker and was a senator representing Bayelsa West. His involvement in public service and governance made him a familiar figure in Bayelsa politics.
Tributes have poured in from political leaders, party members, civil servants, and ordinary citizens, many describing his sudden death as an immense loss. Social media tributes reflected widespread grief, with residents lamenting the passing of a leader known for relentless dedication and commitment to public service.
As Bayelsa and the nation come to terms with this loss, attention now turns to the official announcement of final rites and arrangements for the burial of the late deputy governor.
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