The Bayelsa State Government has announced the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday after collapsing in his office and being rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

Although earlier silence from the state government created uncertainty, the confirmation first came from the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, later officially confirmed the incident on Friday, describing the death as shocking.

According to her, Governor Douye Diri has declared a three-working-day state mourning, with all flags in Bayelsa ordered to fly at half-mast in honour of the late deputy governor.

In her statement, she said:

“Government announces with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D, on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at the age of 60.

“The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.

“His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the government and people of Bayelsa State, and the nation.”

She highlighted his distinguished service as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and Deputy Governor since 2020.

Governor Diri conveyed condolences to his wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all Bayelsans.

The state mourning takes effect from Friday, December 12, 2025.