YENAGOA: Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has died at the age of 60. He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday, slumping in his office before being rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
A senior Ijaw leader, who spoke in confidence, said a cardiologist at the FMC pronounced the deputy governor dead shortly after he was brought in.
According to the source: He suffered a cardiac arrest in his office at the Government House and was rushed to the FMC. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival. His remains were later taken to an undisclosed mortuary in Port Harcourt.
Ewhrudjakpo’s death has shocked political stakeholders across Bayelsa State. A long-time ally of former Governor Seriake Dickson, he was widely regarded as one of the state’s most influential technocrats.
Dickson had appointed him Commissioner for Works, a position he held for eight years, gaining admiration for his strong knowledge of engineering despite his training as a lawyer.
Against opposition at the time, Dickson backed him to become deputy governor—a position he retained under Governor Douye Diri.
Born on September 5, 1965, the late deputy governor chose to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even after his principal, Governor Diri, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His death comes amid rumours that he was considering leaving the PDP.
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep sorrow over Ewhrudjakpo’s passing.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the incident was particularly painful because the deputy governor collapsed while carrying out his official duties.
I received news of the demise of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow, he said.
The incident is a profound shock to all of us. I know how devastating this is for my brother, Governor Douye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally.
I pray that the Almighty grants the family, the government, and the people of Bayelsa the strength to bear this pain.
Abiodun described the late deputy governor as a committed public servant who lived a life of service and impacted many lives in the state.
