Yenagoa — The South-South Governors’ Forum and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed deep grief over the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed in his office on Thursday and later died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.
Ewhrudjakpo was said to have slumped at about 1:30 p.m. inside his office at Government House, Yenagoa, before being rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of FMC. Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Earlier in the day, his media aide, Doubara Atasi, had confirmed that the deputy governor collapsed and was rushed to a hospital outside the state, describing his condition as “critical.” But by evening, multiple sources confirmed his passing.
Governors’ Forum: ‘A painful and devastating blow’
In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State—who also serves as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum—said the news came as a “profound shock.”
Abiodun praised Ewhrudjakpo as a dedicated public servant who “apparently defied illness” to serve his state to the end.
“I received news of the demise of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow.
The incident came as a profound shock to all of us, but we submit to the will of the Almighty God,” he said.
The Ogun governor commiserated with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, describing Ewhrudjakpo as a “dependable ally,” and prayed for strength for his immediate family, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State.
He added that Nigeria had “lost a gem” whose life of service impacted many.
PDP: ‘A hero of political integrity’
The PDP, in a statement by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, said the party’s National Working Committee and its members nationwide were in “profound grief.”
The party described the late deputy governor as “an honest and consistent politician” whose public life was defined by principle, conviction, and integrity.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest,” the PDP said.
The statement added that his death was a “painful and irreparable loss” to Bayelsa State and the nation.
Confusion and anxiety in Yenagoa
Before the official confirmation of his death, conflicting reports created tension across Yenagoa.
While some sources insisted Ewhrudjakpo had died earlier in the day, the Public Relations Officer of FMC Yenagoa, Ben Akpedi, told journalists at the time that the deputy governor was “still alive but in a serious condition.”
A source from Sagbama LGA said hospital staff had privately confirmed his passing.
Meanwhile, a student of the Federal University, Otuoke, reported seeing a convoy of 17 vehicles, including an unmarked ambulance, arriving at the FMC Outreach Centre on Thursday evening, adding to public anxiety.
Residents pray as hope fades
Across Yenagoa—from Swali Ultra Modern Market to small shops and public spaces—residents expressed hope that the reports would prove false.
A meat seller from Ofoni, the deputy governor’s hometown, said the news was “too painful to bear,” while a retired Radio Bayelsa presenter, Nelson Oweifawari, said the atmosphere in the state was one of deep sorrow.
“The mood everywhere is sad. I hope it turns out to be false,” he said earlier in the day.
But by nightfall, the worst fears of Bayelsa residents were confirmed.
Babatunde Akinsola ✔
Godwin Okafor is the Publisher & CEO of Naija247news Media Group LLC, an independent investigative news platform delivering accurate, data-driven reporting on Nigerian and global politics, economy, finance, and business. Founded in October 2010, Naija247news specializes in developmental journalism, providing timely insights and analysis to readers across Nigeria and the diaspora.
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