The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, died on Thursday after collapsing in his office.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who confirmed the death in a in a press release on Thursday, described the development as a shocking and painful loss. According to a statement signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the party said the news threw its National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, into deep grief, along with members across the country, particularly in Bayelsa State.
The statement stressed that Senator Ewhrudjakpo was known for honesty, consistency, and principled politics. He was portrayed as a leader guided by conviction, integrity, and strong personal character, values he upheld until his final moments.
The PDP expressed sadness over what it called the loss of a symbol of political integrity and offered prayers for the repose of his soul.
It also extended condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State, describing the development as a painful and irreparable tragedy.
The statement reads, “Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo: Inexplicable Loss, Indescribable Pain
“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 practiced 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.”
Also confirming the development, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, expressed sadness over the deputy governor’s death.
In a statement released in Abeokuta on Thursday, Prince Abiodun said he was shocked by the news of Mr Ewhrudjakpo’s passing at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was taken after collapsing on Thursday afternoon.
He described the incident as particularly painful, noting that the late deputy governor was in his office carrying out his official duties when he slumped, suggesting he had pushed through illness to continue serving the people of Bayelsa State. He extended his condolences to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, as well as the government and people of the state, urging them to find comfort in the life of service the deceased lived.
He said: “I received news of the demise of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow. The incident came as a profound shock to all of us, but we submit to the will of the Almighty God, who has chosen to call him home at this time.
“I know how painful and devastating that this development is for my brother, His Excellency, Governor Duoye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally. I also deeply commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased. It is my sincere prayer that the Almighty God will be with them and give them the strength to survive this hour of pain and sorrow.
“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. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose.”
