BREAKING: Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Passes Away at 60

By Emmanuel Kwada 

Bayelsa State is reeling from a profound loss following the sudden death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo at age 60. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time when Ewhrudjakpo, a prominent politician and legal expert, collapsed while handling official duties at the Government House in Yenagoa.

He was immediately transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) for urgent care, but doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival. Preliminary indications point to a possible cardiac arrest, exacerbated by his demanding schedule, though an autopsy and official report are pending.

Chaos erupted at the Government House as aides and staff scrambled in disbelief during the evacuation. Security forces swiftly secured the FMC, where Governor Douye Diri’s team gathered in solidarity.

Word of the tragedy spread rapidly through Yenagoa and social media, eliciting waves of shock, tributes, and prayers.

Born September 5, 1965, in Sagbama Local Government Area, Ewhrudjakpo was a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mainstay. Holding a PhD in Human Rights Law and admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2009, his career spanned roles as Works Commissioner, Senator for Bayelsa West in the 9th National Assembly, and Deputy Governor since February 2020.

Under Governor Diri, he drove initiatives in infrastructure, policy stability, and human rights, earning acclaim for his erudition and integrity.

No formal statement has emerged from the state government or family yet, but condolences flood in from political allies and foes alike. This vacuum amplifies the leadership gap in Diri’s administration, amid ongoing succession talks, potentially reshaping Bayelsa’s dynamics.