Bayelsa declares three-day state mourning for late Deputy Governor

Bayelsa State has announced a three-day state mourning period in honour of late deputy governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday while working in his office.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, described Ewhrudjakpo’s passing as a moment of “deep regret and profound shock.”

“The Bayelsa State 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 performing official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead,” the statement read.

Governor Douye Diri declared a three-day state mourning starting Friday, directing that all flags be flown at half-mast.

“Governor Douye Diri has declared a three-day State Mourning in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast. His demise is not only painful but a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” the statement added.