Tension gripped Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, on Thursday afternoon as Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo collapsed in his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.
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The 60-year-old senator, born on September 5, 1965, reportedly collapsed around 1:30 pm. Eyewitnesses described him as being in critical condition when he was transported to the hospital’s emergency unit. Preliminary reports suggested the collapse may have been linked to a cardiac issue, exacerbated by his demanding work schedule.
A source close to the deputy governor described him as a “workaholic who rarely found time to rest,” highlighting the strain of his pivotal role in state governance and public service.
Despite prompt medical attention and efforts to stabilize him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), hospital sources confirmed that Senator Ewhrudjakpo passed away. His death has sent shockwaves across the state, with security operatives cordoning off the hospital premises.
Several top government officials, including aides to Governor Douye Diri, visited the hospital to express condolences and support for the family. Attempts to reach the deputy governor’s media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, for an official comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Before he was elected deputy governor, he was Commissioner of Works under former governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
He was from Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Before his election as deputy governor, Ewhrudjakpo served as Commissioner of Works under former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. He hailed from the Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The development was confirmed on Thursday night by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who described the news as a “profound shock” and commiserated with Governor Diri, the people of Bayelsa, and the late deputy governor’s family.
“No doubt, Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole have lost a gem, but we shall take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of service to humanity and made profound change in the lives of people,” Governor Abiodun said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also confirmed Ewhrudjakpo’s death. National spokesperson Ini Ememobong described it as “devastating and an inexplicable loss,” praising him as a “faithful party man” and “consistent politician.” The PDP noted that Ewhrudjakpo had chosen to remain in the party even after Governor Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting his political integrity.
The Bayelsa State Government and the Commissioner for Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
Recall that Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and former Governor Senator Seriake Dickson were reportedly planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The pending exit of both politicians is linked to uncertainty in the leadership of the opposition party.
While Dickson has been antagonistic to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Senate, Ewhrudjakpo declined to follow Governor Douye Diri, who defected to the APC on November 3. Both men were believed to be in talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a potential platform for Dickson’s return to the Senate and Ewhrudjakpo’s future gubernatorial ambitions.
Ewhrudjakpo had previously been sponsored by Dickson for the Senate before becoming Diri’s running mate. After vacating his Senate seat, Dickson filled the vacancy via a by-election. Despite Dickson advising Diri against defection, the governor rejected the advice.
The deputy governor had reportedly sought a court order to prevent the State Assembly from impeaching him over his refusal to join the APC. The case is currently pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Governor Diri, during a State Executive Council meeting, clarified that he would not compel Ewhrudjakpo to join the APC and emphasized engagement over confrontation.
Sources indicated that there is “an atom of truth” in rumors that Ewhrudjakpo might join the ADC, given Dickson’s connections to the party. Dickson is alleged to have recommended some former PDP chieftains for ADC executive roles.
However, associates of Governor Diri doubted the viability of ADC in Bayelsa, suggesting it cannot win even one local government area. While Dickson may consider ADC due to his structures and resources, Ewhrudjakpo’s options were less clear.
Media aide Doubara Atasi stated that he was not aware of the deputy governor’s next political move.
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