- Diri, Dickson In Deep Pains
- Those Who Will Miss Him Most
Thursday passing of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewrudjakpor, has caused deep pains to his boss and governor of the state, Senator Douye Diri, his kinsman and former governor, Senator Seriake Dickson as well as the scores of people who enjoyed from his humanistic gestures.
For the next three days therefore, beginning from Friday, flags will fly at half mast in the state, according to a statement by the state information commissioner, (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.
The deputy governor, known to be a workaholic, died on Thursday night, hours after collapsing in his office, in what has been suspected to be a heart attack. But an autopsy is likely to reveal the real cause of death.
Since the news became public, the state has been in a mournful mood. Many of the residents who knew him closely told TNN that the former deputy governor helped so many people and was not in the habit of looking away once he was confronted with people’s challenges.
The governor would always praise him to high heavens, even in the public, for his commitment, loyalty and dedication to his work. He was known to be extremely serious about his duties.
In the statement, the state government said “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, people of Bayelsa State and the nation. Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the State with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and Deputy Governor since 2020.
“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the Government and people of Bayelsa State, expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, Her Excellency, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and all citizens of the State.
“Consequently, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has declared a State Mourning for 3 working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast. The Governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state.”
