The Bayelsa State Government has announced with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpo.
The deputy governor died on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at the age of 60, after he slumped and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, the state capital.
He was said to have slumped at around 1:30p.m. on Wednesday in his office, prompting an emergency response.
Eyewitnesses described him as being in a serious condition when he was taken to the hospital’s emergency unit.
Though there were initial reports that he was stabilised at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), no official statement was released regarding the cause of his health scare. But sources suggest it may be related to a cardiac emergency.
As his death attracted sympathisers to the hospital, security operatives cordoned off the hospital.
Confirming the demise of the man popularly referred to as the ‘Workaholic Deputy Governor’ the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the late deputy governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day.
She said, “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. Senator Ewhrujakpo 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, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrujakpo, their children, the Ewhrujakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, , Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and all citizens of the state.”
She announced that the state governor has declared “a state mourning for three working days in honour of the late deputy governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025, while all flags are to fly at half-mast.”
The commissioner said the governor further prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state.
Former governor and senator representing the Bayelsa West constituency, Sen. Seriake Dickson, in a statement said
December 11, will remain one of his saddest days.
He said, “I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant and politician. I have personally lost a dependable, loyal and principled mentee who was committed to the causes we pursue in public service — service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.
“Dr. Ewhrujakpo was clearly the best among my political mentees. A rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness.
“He proved himself, especially at difficult times, as a politician of principle and conviction I had mentored him to be over the years. He exemplified the act of living a simple life with profound impact. Ewhrujakpo was irreplaceable — formidable in intellect and learned, emotionally stable, mature and principled.
“Since our paths crossed in the ’90s, I took him under my wings when he was a union activist and I, a legal practitioner. He drew inspiration from our interactions to pursue further education and was inspired to study Law after his first degree — which he took all the way to a Doctorate, even as a very busy man. When I became Attorney General, he was my P.A. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was my Senior Legislative Aide. When I became Governor, he served as Commissioner for Works for almost eight years, dedicating all his time and energy to executing landmark infrastructural achievements across the state, even during the crippling recession.
“He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When he was made, unfortunately, to choose between his office and his loyalty, respect and gratitude to me, he chose the latter, and went through a lot for the principled choices he made during the almost six years he served dutifully without complaining.
“There is no one who did not feel the impact of his service—the open-door policy and life of service, exactly as I taught them, and without betrayal to me or anyone. He listened to wise counsel and advice, which I was always available to give.
“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, of Nigerians, and of all humanity that encountered him. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least.
“While we are devastated by this sudden and untimely loss, we must remain proud of his record of honest, dedicated, selfless, loyal and principled service to God and humanity to the very end. He will be sorely missed. In fact, I do not believe I can find any replacement for Dr. Lawrence Ewhrujakpo.”
He further stated that the family will announce, in consultation with the government, the funeral arrangements.
Adamawa State Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, also condoled with the people and government of Bayelsa State on the death of Ewhrujakpo.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, the governor described the death of Ewhrujakpo as a huge loss to the nation.
“I am shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of this remarkable leader, who embodied trust, integrity, and dedication,” he said.
The governor extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, friends, and associates of the late deputy governor, as well as to Governor Diri.
He pointed out that the late deputy governor’s courage, determination, and passion inspired many leaders.
“His tireless efforts towards the growth and development of Bayelsa State will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
The Senator representing DeIta Central, Ede Dafinone, also said the announcement of the sudden death of the deputy governor came to him “with deep shock and profound sadness”.
Dafinone, in a condolence message said, “the news of the sudden collapse of the Bayelsa Deputy Governor on Thursday and subsequent death at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, have left our nation, particularly the Urhobo Nation, in mourning.
“Until his death, Senator Ewhrujakpo remained a principled politician, a committed public servant, and a distinguished son of Urhobo who carried himself with dignity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people.
“His contributions to governance, community development, and national cohesion were exceptional. He was a man who embodied humility and forthrightness, and his political journey reflected a lifetime of service rooted in integrity, hard work, and devotion to the common good. His demise has created a void that will be difficult to fill,” Dafinone said.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, expressed deep sorrow following reports of the passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrujakpo.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa sent condolences to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Diri, the Ewhrujakpo family, and the people of Bayelsa State over the devastating news.
He described Senator Ewhrujakpo as “a dedicated public servant whose leadership style, humility, and commitment to the development of Bayelsa State and the broader Niger Delta region” earned him nationwide admiration.
Olusegun Samuel
Follow us on:
