Bayelsa Governor Diri Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Deputy Ewhrudjakpo.

Yenagoa, – In a heartfelt show of solidarity, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri cut short an official trip to console the widow of his late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whom he eulogized as a “dependable ally, brother, and confidant” rather than a mere subordinate.

The 60-year-old Ewhrudjakpo, a lawyer, public health specialist, and former Senator, slumped in his office on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa. Despite frantic medical efforts, he succumbed to what reports indicate was cardiac arrest, marking the first time a deputy governor has died in office in the state’s history.

On Friday night, December 12, Governor Diri led a high-powered delegation to the late deputy’s official residence at Government House, Yenagoa. Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere; House Leader Rt. Hon. Monday Obolo-Bubou; immediate past Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Akpe; and other dignitaries including Prof. Benjamin Okaba of the Ijaw National Congress and PDP Chairman Solomon Agwana, the governor shared poignant memories.

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A Bond Forged in the Trenches

Diri recounted their shared journey under former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, spanning eight years, followed by nearly six in their own administration since the 2020 Supreme Court affirmation. “We came together as friends and brothers. Our working relationship was not that of boss and subordinate, but of brothers—yet he always recognized me as principal,” Diri said, per a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.

He hailed Ewhrudjakpo’s resourcefulness, loyalty, and work ethic, noting his pivotal role in primary healthcare—just days after the state received a national award in Abuja for advancements in that sector. “God called him when the ovation was loudest. How do I celebrate our sixth anniversary without Lawrence?” Diri lamented, describing the loss as “irreparable” to the family, Ofoni Federated Community, and Bayelsa at large.

The governor assured comprehensive support: taking over the children’s education to any level, retaining Ewhrudjakpo’s staff in government service, and organizing a befitting state burial. “The government of Bayelsa State will stand by you,” he told Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.

Family’s Gratitude Amid Grief

Dr. Oyovwi Osusu, a former Commissioner for Education and state assembly member speaking for the family, expressed profound shock but acceptance of God’s will. “We thank the governor for identifying with us and the Ofoni community,” she said.

Ewhrudjakpo’s death has reverberated across Bayelsa, with tributes pouring in on social media and from political circles. Governor Diri’s X post reiterated condolences to the widow, children, Ofoni community, and ex-Governor Dickson, praying for divine comfort.

As Bayelsa mourns, the administration faces the task of appointing a new deputy amid ongoing governance.