Bayelsa Mourns the Untimely Death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

Bayelsa Mourns the Untimely Death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

In the heart of Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, where the rhythms of political life often pulse with the cadence of community resilience and regional advocacy, a profound silence has fallen today. Bayelsa State, a land of lush mangroves and unyielding spirit, is reeling from the shocking news of the sudden death of its Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo. At just 60 years old, Ewhrudjakpo—known affectionately as “Senator Lawrence” to his constituents—collapsed in his office at the Government House in Yenagoa around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Despite frantic efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in the state capital.

The incident unfolded with the abruptness of a tropical storm, catching aides, security personnel, and fellow officials off guard. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of controlled chaos: the deputy governor, mid-conversation during routine official duties, suddenly slumped forward at his desk. Quick-thinking staff mobilized an ambulance, and within minutes, he was en route to the hospital. But the medical team at FMC, despite deploying every available resource in the intensive care unit, could not revive him. Preliminary reports from medical sources point to a possible cardiac emergency as the cause, though an official autopsy or statement from the state government is still pending.   (Legit.ng)

As news broke across social media and local airwaves, Bayelsa and indeed much of Nigeria has been enveloped in a wave of grief, tributes, and reflections on a life dedicated to public service.

A Life Forged in the Niger Delta: From Humble Beginnings to the Senate

Born on September 5, 1965, in the riverine communities of Sagbama Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo embodied the tenacious ethos of the Ijaw people. Growing up amid the challenges of environmental degradation from oil exploration and the socio-economic disparities of the Delta region, he pursued education with a fervor that would define his career.

Ewhrudjakpo earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Economy from the University of Ilorin, followed by advanced studies in law at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to the bar in 1991. His early professional life saw him practicing as a lawyer in Port Harcourt, advocating for the marginalized voices of his homeland.

But Ewhrudjakpo’s calling was always politics, an arena where he could channel his passion for equity and development. Entering the fray in the early 2000s, he quickly rose through the ranks of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa’s dominant political force. His breakthrough came in 2015 when he was elected to represent Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly. There, he served as Deputy Leader of the Senate, honing a reputation as a bridge-builder between the executive and legislative arms. Colleagues remember him for his measured interventions on bills related to environmental protection, youth empowerment, and maritime security issues close to the Delta’s heart.

By 2019, in the 9th Senate, Ewhrudjakpo’s influence deepened. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization, he oversaw critical reforms in public enterprises, pushing for transparency in asset sales that could benefit resource-dependent states like Bayelsa. His legislative footprint includes sponsoring the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, which aimed to overhaul Nigeria’s oil sector and ensure fairer revenue sharing for producing communities. “He was a man who understood the pains of his people,” recalled a former aide in a recent X post, echoing sentiments that flooded timelines today.  Yet, it was his unassuming demeanor marked by a ready smile and a penchant for grassroots consultations that endeared him to voters. In the 2023 elections, Ewhrudjakpo’s loyalty to Governor Douye Diri paid dividends, securing his elevation to the deputy governorship in February 2020, a role he filled with quiet competence.

The Deputy’s Desk: Championing Bayelsa’s Renaissance

As Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo was more than a ceremonial figure; he was the engine room of the Diri administration. Tasked with overseeing agriculture, rural development, and community engagement, he traversed Bayelsa’s creeks and farmlands, promoting initiatives like the Bayelsa Agricultural Development Programme. This flagship project, which he championed, sought to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil, training over 5,000 youths in modern farming techniques and introducing high-yield crops resistant to flooding. “Agriculture is our escape from mono-dependency,” he once declared at a stakeholders’ forum in Ogbia, underscoring his vision for sustainable livelihoods.

Ewhrudjakpo’s portfolio extended to education and health, where he advocated for increased funding for primary healthcare centers in remote areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he coordinated vaccine drives in hard-to-reach communities, earning commendations from the World Health Organization’s regional office. His efforts in women’s empowerment were particularly notable; through the Deputy Governor’s Wives Association, he supported microfinance schemes that lifted hundreds of families out of poverty. Critics, however, pointed to the slow pace of infrastructure delivery in Bayelsa—a state plagued by perennial flooding and poor road networks. Ewhrudjakpo responded with characteristic pragmatism, securing federal allocations for the East-West Road rehabilitation and launching the Yenagoa Smart City project, aimed at urban renewal.

Beyond policy, Ewhrudjakpo was a stabilizing force in Bayelsa’s fractious political landscape. As a PDP stalwart, he mediated intra-party disputes, ensuring the party’s dominance in local elections. His relationship with Governor Diri was often likened to a fraternal bond, with the duo presenting a united front against opposition incursions from the All Progressives Congress (APC). In national circles, he lobbied for increased derivation funds for oil-producing states, arguing passionately in Senate debates that the Niger Delta deserved more for bearing the brunt of resource extraction. His sudden departure leaves a void not just in Yenagoa but in Abuja’s corridors of power, where his voice amplified the South-South’s concerns.

Echoes of Sorrow: Tributes Pour In from Far and Wide

According to Daily Post, The news of Ewhrudjakpo’s collapse first rippled through Social Media in the early afternoon, with initial posts expressing prayers for his recovery.  By evening, confirmation of his passing triggered an outpouring of grief. Governor Douye Diri, visibly shattered in a brief address from the Government House, described his deputy as “a brother, a confidant, and the heartbeat of our administration.” Diri announced a seven-day mourning period, with flags at half-mast and all state events canceled. “Bayelsa has lost a patriot whose dedication knew no bounds,” he said, his voice breaking.

Tributes flooded in from across Nigeria. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, mourned the loss of “a gem in public service,” noting how Ewhrudjakpo “defied illness to serve his people.”  Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri echoed this sentiment, calling it “a profound shock to the nation.”  Former Bayelsa Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who had earlier prayed for recovery, updated his post with heartfelt condolences, emphasizing Ewhrudjakpo’s role as a fellow indigene.  On X, hashtags like #RIPSenatorLawrence and #BayelsaMourns trended, with users sharing photos of him at community events and quoting his speeches on unity.

Family members, speaking through intermediaries, described a man who balanced the scales of fatherhood and statesmanship. Survived by his wife, children, and extended kin, Ewhrudjakpo was known privately for his love of fishing in the Forcados River and mentoring young lawyers. Public figures from the entertainment world, including Bayelsa-born actor Timini Egbuson, joined the chorus, posting: “A true son of the soil. Rest well, sir.”

Beyond the Grief: Implications for Bayelsa and Nigerian Politics

Ewhrudjakpo’s death arrives at a pivotal juncture for Bayelsa, just months before the 2027 elections. Constitutionally, Governor Diri must nominate a replacement for approval by the State House of Assembly within 90 days, per Section 191 of the 1999 Constitution. Speculation is already rife about potential successors names like Chief David Serena-Dokubo and Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi have surfaced in political circles. Yet, the process could test the PDP’s unity, especially amid ongoing agitations for Ijaw representation in key posts.

On a broader scale, this tragedy underscores the human cost of political service in Nigeria. Ewhrudjakpo’s reported heavy workload long hours poring over budgets and mediating conflicts mirrors the burnout faced by many leaders in developing democracies.  It prompts uncomfortable questions: Are our public officials prioritizing health amid relentless demands? In Bayelsa, where healthcare infrastructure lags, his passing amplifies calls for investment in emergency response systems, perhaps through a state-funded air ambulance service for remote areas.

Moreover, Ewhrudjakpo’s demise robs the Niger Delta of a vocal advocate at a time when global attention shifts to energy transitions. With oil majors divesting assets, his expertise in privatization could have guided Bayelsa toward green initiatives, like mangrove restoration to combat climate change. As the state navigates this leadership gap, his legacy rooted in service and solidarity must inspire continuity.

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A Legacy Etched in Service: Farewell to a Quiet Giant

As night falls over Yenagoa, the creeks whisper elegies for Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. In churches, mosques, and traditional shrines, prayers rise for his soul, invoking the Ijaw proverb: “The river does not forget the fish that once swam its depths.” He leaves behind a Bayelsa forever altered by his touch, farmlands greener, voices louder, and dreams bolder.

In this moment of collective sorrow, let us honor him not with tears alone, but with resolve. To build the equitable Delta he envisioned, free from the shadows of sudden loss. May his gentle soul rest in peace, and may Bayelsa rise, as he would have wished, stronger from the waters that shaped him.