…Orders flags to fly at half mast
The Bayelsa State Government has announced the sudden death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 60. The announcement, made in a press statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, described the loss as a profound shock to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, Ewhrudjakpo was actively performing his official duties earlier in the day when he collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting in his office. He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, where medical personnel confirmed his death.
Ewhrudjakpo, a distinguished public servant, had a notable career in Bayelsa politics. He previously served as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and as the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District before assuming the role of Deputy Governor in 2020. His contributions to the state’s development were highlighted in the government’s tribute, which emphasized his dedication and impact on Bayelsa and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Douye Diri extended heartfelt condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s family, including his wife, Her Excellency Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, and former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. The governor also conveyed sympathies to all citizens of Bayelsa State, praying for divine comfort during this difficult time.
In honor of the late deputy governor, Governor Diri declared a three-day period of state mourning, effective from Friday, December 12, 2025. During this time, all flags in the state are to be flown at half-mast.
The full statement reads:
PASSING OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR LAWRENCE OBORAWHARIEVWO EWHRUDJAKPO
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, at the age of 60.
The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. 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.
Signed:
Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai Honourable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy Bayelsa State December 12, 2025
