Bayelsa State was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the sudden death of its Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed in his office before being rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, where he was pronounced dead.
The tragic incident occurred around 1:30 p.m., sparking immediate panic among staff and security aides at the Government House. Witnesses told reporters that the deputy governor was in a meeting shortly before the medical emergency. According to multiple accounts, he slumped without warning, prompting frantic efforts by his aides and government officials to stabilise him before he was transported to the hospital.
Sources at the FMC confirmed that Ewhrudjakpo was brought into the emergency unit in critical condition. Medical personnel were said to have battled to revive him, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. He was declared dead shortly after arrival.
Although the Bayelsa State Government had yet to release an official statement at the time of filing this report, family members and close associates confirmed the deputy governor’s passing. A source close to the family said the news was “devastating,” adding that they were still trying to understand what led to the sudden collapse.
While the exact cause of death has not been formally disclosed, individuals familiar with the deputy governor’s recent schedule suggested that he had been under intense pressure in the past few weeks. One source described his workload as “overwhelming,” hinting that the long hours and constant engagements may have contributed to the medical emergency. Several others pointed to a possible cardiac-related complication, although no official medical confirmation has been provided.
Security around the Federal Medical Centre tightened significantly as news of his collapse filtered across Yenagoa. Armed personnel from various security agencies were deployed to maintain order and restrict access to the emergency ward. Senior government officials, including commissioners, advisers, and members of the state legislature, were seen arriving at the hospital in convoys, many of them visibly distressed.
Hospital staff who witnessed the deputy governor’s arrival described the situation as chaotic. “He was rushed in with several security men around him. It was clearly an emergency, and the doctors moved quickly,” one medical worker said. “We later heard he did not make it.”
The sudden death of Senator Ewhrudjakpo has sent shockwaves across Bayelsa and the broader political community. A seasoned politician and former member of the Senate, he was serving his second term as deputy governor under Governor Douye Diri. His unexpected passing leaves a significant void in the state’s leadership.
Attempts to reach his media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, for further clarification were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable throughout the evening.
As Bayelsa State grapples with the devastating news, tributes have begun to pour in from political allies, community leaders, and citizens who admired his commitment to public service. The state government is expected to make an official announcement and declare a period of mourning.
More details are expected as the government and the family prepare to address the public regarding the circumstances surrounding his death and the next steps in accordance with constitutional provisions.
