The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday confirmed the death of Bayelsa State’s deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The confirmation was issued through a statement from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
Ewhrudjakpo was said to have collapsed in his office at the Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday afternoon. He was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre in the state capital. Born on September 5, 1965, in Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area, the 60-year-old politician passed away shortly afterwards.
While the specific circumstances surrounding the collapse are still unclear, insiders said he slumped unexpectedly during official engagements and was promptly assisted by his aides and security team. Some sources indicated the incident might have been linked to cardiac arrest.
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The news triggered anxiety within Government House and across Yenagoa, where many residents described him as the “Workaholic Deputy Governor,” recalling his habit of working late hours.
As of Thursday night, the state government had not released an official statement. Efforts to reach his media aide, Doubra Atazi, and the Commissioner for Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, were not successful, as both officials declined to comment.
In its reaction, the PDP said it received the news with shock, praising Ewhrudjakpo as “a trusted, faithful party man.”
According to the statement:“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and a trusted, faithful party man, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and died earlier today.
“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.
“While alive, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle. He was a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest. We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss.”
A lawyer by training, Ewhrudjakpo served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure from 2012 to 2018 under former governor Henry Seriake Dickson. He stepped down in 2018 to pursue the PDP Senate ticket for Bayelsa West.
As Commissioner, he supervised major projects including the Bayelsa International Airport, delivered during a period of national economic recession.
He later won the 2019 Bayelsa West Senatorial race, defeating APC candidate Mathew Karimo with 49,912 votes to 20,219.
Governor Douye Diri named him as running mate for the off-cycle governorship election that same year. After the Supreme Court disqualified Chief David Lyon due to issues with his running mate’s academic credentials, Diri and Ewhrudjakpo were sworn in on February 14, 2020.
During the administration, he was key to mediating inter- and intra-communal disputes, bolstering security around vital national assets such as oil pipelines. He also chaired the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, coordinating maritime law enforcement efforts, including implementation of the SPOMO Act against piracy.
Following Governor Diri’s defection to the APC in October 2025, Ewhrudjakpo remained in the PDP, causing friction between the two. He sought relief from a Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent a planned impeachment by the state House of Assembly.
Justice Emeka Nwite halted any impeachment action pending the hearing of the suit and summoned the Speaker and five others to explain why they should not be stopped from attempting to remove him over claims linked to his refusal to defect.
Diri, however, publicly reassured him that he would not be compelled to join the APC, emphasising ongoing dialogue.
At a recent state executive council meeting, Diri said:“Regarding speculations in the media, I do not intend to force anyone to join the APC but rather appeal to them to reason with me. I may have power today, but not tomorrow.
‘It is challenging for the governor and deputy to be on opposing sides, but dialogue continues, and we may align in the same party in the future.“We must not inflame the polity. Violence in Bayelsa State is over. We are brothers and one people. Politics should drive development, not conflict.”
Despite his demanding schedule, Ewhrudjakpo regularly lectured law students at Niger Delta University pro bono. He often spoke about his desire to return to academia after his time in public office, saying teaching would allow him to help shape future leaders.
The late deputy governor, a key associate of former governor Seriake Dickson, was believed to be nurturing interest in contesting the 2027 Bayelsa governorship election. Reports indicated he enjoyed strong support from Dickson.
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