By Seyi Odewale
Bayelsa State was thrown into grief on Thursday following the sudden death of its deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed in his office and could not be revived.
He was aged 60.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. while the deputy governor was attending to official matters in his Government House office in Yenagoa.
Witnesses said he slumped unexpectedly, prompting his aides to activate an emergency response.
He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where medical personnel battled to stabilise him. Despite sustained efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
As of press time, the Bayelsa State Government had not issued a formal statement confirming the circumstances surrounding his death or the preliminary medical findings.
Security operatives were seen securing the hospital premises as top government officials arrived to verify the situation.
In its official reaction to the sad news, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described his passing as an “inexplicable loss” and “indescribable pain.”
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said the news left the National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and the entire PDP family in profound grief.
According to the PDP, “Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle… a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character.”
The party lamented the death of “a hero of political integrity,” prayed for the repose of his soul, and extended condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State over what it described as a painful and irreparable loss.
Ewhrudjakpo, a lawyer, former senator and experienced administrator, was born on September 5, 1965. Before becoming deputy governor in 2020, he represented Bayelsa West in the Senate and had earlier served as Commissioner for Works.
He was widely regarded as a meticulous technocrat with a strong interest in infrastructure development and conflict resolution in riverine communities.
His sudden demise has triggered widespread shock, with early messages of sympathy pouring in for Governor Douye Diri and the people of Bayelsa State.
Further details, including official confirmation of the cause of death and funeral arrangements, are still being awaited.
