The Bayelsa State Government has announced a three-day mourning period following the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday after collapsing in his office around noon.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, the mourning period takes immediate effect, with all flags to be flown at half-mast.
She described the deputy governor’s death as “painful, shocking and deeply regrettable,” noting that he had been actively performing his duties earlier in the day.
The statement explained “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.”
Koku-Obiyai added that his passing is a significant loss to the state and the nation, highlighting his distinguished service as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor since 2020.
Governor Douye Diri extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State to his wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and all Bayelsans.
The governor subsequently declared three working days of state mourning beginning Friday, December 12, 2025, and prayed for God’s comfort for the family and the state.
“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.
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