The passing of Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, fondly known to me as E-Lawrenzi, is a loss too painful to fully comprehend. December 11, 2025, will remain one of the saddest days of my life. I was preparing to participate in the screening of ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs when I received a distressing call about a medical emergency involving him. I immediately spoke with his aides and doctors, left abruptly, and returned home to monitor developments, until my worst fears were confirmed.
Since that moment, I have been heartbroken. Beyond the loss to Bayelsa State and Nigeria, I have lost a dependable, loyal, and principled mentee, one who was deeply committed to the cause we pursue in public service: service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.
E-Lawrenzi was, without doubt, the finest among my political mentees. He was a rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty, selflessness, and moral conviction, all of which he deployed to the common good. He lived a simple life with profound impact—formidable in intellect, learned, emotionally stable, mature, and principled. He consistently proved himself, especially in difficult times, as a politician of conviction, shaped by years of mentorship and guided by unwavering values.
Our journey together began in the 1990s, when he was a union activist and I was a legal practitioner and solicitor to his union in their fight for recognition. I took him under my wings, and through our interactions he was inspired to pursue further education, studying Law after his first degree and eventually earning a doctorate, even as a very busy public servant. When I became Attorney-General, he served as my Special Assistant and also a member of the State Capital Development Authority appointed by the then Governor Goodluck Jonathan, on my recommendation. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was my Senior Legislative Aide. As Governor, he served as Commissioner for Works for almost eight years, anchoring the foundation and infrastructural turnaround of Bayelsa State and dedicating himself tirelessly to the execution of landmark projects, even during periods of severe economic recession. I later supported him to contest and win the Senate seat for Bayelsa West Senatorial District, a seat I now occupy. Subsequently, I backed both him and the current Governor, then Senators, as our party’s candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.
As Deputy Governor, E-Lawrenzi remained dutiful, loyal, and steadfast to the very end.
He stood firm even when it came at great personal cost. When circumstances unfairly forced him to choose between office and loyalty, respect, and gratitude, he chose principle and endured much for that choice during almost six years of service, without complaint. He embodied an open-door policy and a life of service, touching countless lives without betraying his values or his relationships. He was always receptive to counsel and guidance.
I was recently reminded of our long journey together when I saw photographs from 1998, at the dawn of Nigeria’s return to democratic politics. We had just attended a meeting convened by Justice Ephraim Akpata, pioneer chairman of INEC, following the lifting of the ban on political activities by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar administration. We were representing the Nigerian Youth Democratic Alliance, a movement I founded with some friends, with E-Lawrenzi manning the Secretariat—files in hand, already displaying the diligence and commitment that would define his life.
He stood by me through the formation of the Bayelsa Progressives Movement in 2000, the Alliance for Democracy, the ANPP, and finally the PDP. From those early days, he blossomed beyond imagination—resourceful, brilliant, hardworking, humble, selfless, principled, and loyal, sharing himself and all he had with others.
From the numerous accounts I have received, there is hardly anyone who knew him or learnt of his antecedents who has not expressed deep sadness and a profound sense of loss, across Bayelsa State and even around Nigeria. I remain grateful for the opportunities God used me to give to him. He utilised them well, not for personal gain, but to make lasting and positive impact.
Though he lived only to the age of 60, he accomplished far more within this period than many who live longer lives or hold higher offices. In every sense, he lived a fulfilled and purposeful life. I thank him for his dedication, loyalty, and steadfast support, and for giving a good account of the responsibilities entrusted to him. This was a massive investment, and indeed, a great loss. He embodied a rare mixture of intellect, character, education, experience, selfless service, and love for God and humanity—all in one man. I have no doubt that he is resting in the bosom of his Creator.
I thank all who will be coming to honour his memory, and all who will be participating in the funeral activities in one way or another. I also thank all the many friends and well-wishers, leaders and groups who found time to pay condolence visits — to me, to the family, as well as to the state government.
I do not normally celebrate my birthdays. This January was meant to mark my 60th birthday, but with the death of Lawrence in December, no one needed to be told that any celebration had to be cancelled. Even those who were planning to hold various activities in celebration knew that the plans and arrangements were no longer tenable with Lawrence’s passing, and I thank them for their understanding. By the grace of God, there will be many more birthdays ahead to celebrate. My family and I will mark the birthday in our usual morning devotions with prayers after which we will proceed to Bayelsa State to participate in the day of tributes and other funeral rites as programmed by the family and the state government.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Beatrice and children— Grace, and my namesake Dickson. As I have told them, even though they have always been part of my family, they are now more so, and I am their father.
I also extend my condolences to his extended family, the Ofoni community, the Bayelsa West Senatorial District he so faithfully represented, the Catholic Church—where he was a devout Knight, and to the Government and good people of Bayelsa State.
I implore all to join the family and the state government in prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of this good man, and for the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, my E-Lawrenzi, you deserve honour, and you will be sorely missed for a long time.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of your Creator.
-HSD
