Bayelsa declares three-day mourning for late Dep Gov

The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whose sudden death on Thursday shocked the state.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, in Yenagoa.

According to the statement, the mourning period begins on Friday and will run for three working days, during which all flags in the state are to be flown at half-mast.

The government formally confirmed the deputy governor’s death about 24 hours after the incident.

Ewhrudjakpo, aged 60 and serving his second term in office, reportedly collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting in his office.

He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was later pronounced dead.

His collapse triggered panic within Creek Haven, the Bayelsa Government House, as senior officials and aides scrambled for updates on his condition before the confirmation of his passing.

Describing Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a heavy blow to Bayelsa, the statement hailed him as an accomplished public servant who served with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor since 2020.

Governor Douye Diri extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the state.

“In honour of the late Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, has declared a three-day State Mourning beginning today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast,” the statement added.

The governor prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family and the entire people of Bayelsa.

Before his demise, Ewhrudjakpo was regarded as a steadfast political ally of former Governor Seriake Dickson.

Notably, he refused to join Governor Diri when the governor defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move followed by all members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly except Dr. Godbless Oyinke, Ted Elemefuro, and Wisdom Fafi.