Bayelsa Deputy Governor Dies After Sudden Collapse In Office

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By Odekunle Doyin

Bayelsa State was thrown into mourning yesterday following the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed on shortly after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa. The incident happened around 1.30 p.m. as he reportedly slumped while coming down a staircase after a meeting.

Eyewitnesses said he was quickly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa where doctors battled to save him. Hospital officials revealed that he arrived unconscious and was taken first to the Emergency Unit before being moved to the Intensive Care Unit. Medical teams worked to resuscitate him but all efforts failed.

His media aide, Doubara Atasi, confirmed the development but declined to give further details. News of his death spread rapidly across the state and large crowds of sympathisers gathered at the hospital, prompting security personnel to strengthen control around the facility.

Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo had served as Deputy Governor since 2020. He represented Bayelsa West in the Senate and held the position of Commissioner for Works during the Seriake Dickson administration. He remained a prominent figure in the state’s political structure until his final moments.

The Peoples Democratic Party also reacted to the tragedy. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party confirmed Ewhrudjakpo’s passing and described the development as deeply troubling. The PDP noted that the late deputy governor had been firm in his decision to remain with the party and refused to defect alongside Governor Duoye Diri to the All Progressives Congress earlier in the month.

Political associates recalled that Ewhrudjakpo had been a long standing ally of Senator Seriake Dickson. His ties with Governor Diri reportedly became strained after he declined to join the recent wave of defections that saw several officials resign from the PDP on October 15. His role in government and his influence in Bayelsa politics remained significant until his death.

Ewhrudjakpo’s career spanned years of public service where he contributed to infrastructure development and represented his constituency at the federal level. Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, supporters and leaders across the state who described his death as a painful loss.