Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day state mourning following the sudden death of Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, described the incident as “painful,” expressing “deep regret and profound shock” over the deputy governor’s demise.
She said Ewhrudjakpo had been “active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day” before he collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting.
He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead.
Koku-Obiyai noted that Ewhrudjakpo, 60, served the state with distinction in various capacities, including Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor since 2020.
Governor Douye Diri extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State to the late deputy governor’s wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the state.
The governor directed that all flags in the state fly at half-mast for the three-day mourning period, which commences immediately. He also prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family and the entire state.
“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.
