Bayelsa declares three days mourning for late deputy governor

The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day mourning in honour of its Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday after collapsing in his office at noon.

The period of mourning will commence immediately, with all flags flying at half-mast.

Announcing the decision in a press statement on Friday, the state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, described his passing as painful.

The Eagle online earlier reported that Ewhrudjakpo slumped on Thursday afternoon while he was working in his office, and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The deputy governor subsequently died at the FMC where he was rushed to after slumping on Thursday.

Following the incident, there was public speculation over Ewhrudjakpo’s health as concerned Bayelsans awaited the government’s official statement.

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 read in part: “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.

• Ewhrudjakpor: A death too painful, by Seriake Dickson
• Impunity is Nigeria’s menace, not diversity — Atiku 
• I’d rather visit Nigeria, eat jollof, goat meat, Julius Malema speaks on US entry ban + Video
• Governor pushes for single term, state police
• Sanwo-Olu appoints new DG for Education Quality Assurance

“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.”

Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp

[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']