BREAKING NEWS
BAYELSA DEPUTY GOVERNOR SENATOR LAWRENCE EWHRUDJAKPO DIES AFTER COLLAPSING IN OFFICE
By Emeka Amaefula
YENAGOA — Bayelsa in Shock
Bayelsa State is in mourning following the sudden death of Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor, who collapsed at Government House during official duties on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, aged 60.
Ewhrudjakpo, a former federal lawmaker and respected public servant, was first elected Deputy Governor in 2020. Born on September 5, 1965, in Sagbama Local Government Area, he rose steadily through public service and political leadership.
Witnesses said he collapsed suddenly in his office and was rushed to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Governor Diri Pays Tribute
Governor Douye Diri, visibly shaken, described the loss as: “A deep personal and institutional loss. Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a man of integrity, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the service of the people. His passing is a profound blow to the government and every Bayelsan.”
The Bayelsa State Government said Ewhrudjakpo: “Worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of Bayelsans and maintained respect across party and community lines.”
Political associates described him as: “A dependable partner in governance, with calm leadership and commitment to stability in the administration.”
Political Tension and Defection
In recent months, Ewhrudjakpo was at the center of political tension after Governor Diri defected from the PDP to the APC. Ewhrudjakpo refused to follow, remaining loyal to the PDP.
Governor Diri stated: “I do not intend to force anyone to join the APC… It is difficult for the governor to be on one side and the deputy on another, but we will continue to talk, and we might end up in the same party tomorrow.”
Legal Precedent — Atiku vs Obasanjo
The Supreme Court judgment in the case of Vice President Atiku Abubakar vs President Olusegun Obasanjo affirmed that an executive pair elected on a joint ticket retains separate party identities. A sitting vice president (or deputy governor) cannot be compelled to defect when the president or governor switches parties.
This precedent mirrors Ewhrudjakpo’s situation, highlighting constitutional protection for jointly elected executives.
Legal Protection
Earlier, Ewhrudjakpo filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja to prevent impeachment attempts by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, arguing that staying in his original party was not unconstitutional. The court barred impeachment proceedings pending further hearings, reinforcing constitutional safeguards for elected officials.
Reactions and Tributes
PDP leaders and civil society activists praised his service.: “He was a politician who put principle above expediency,” said a PDP national leader.
Local community reactions: “We are heartbroken. He worked with humility and always stood for what he believed was right,” said a community leader in Yenagoa.
Legacy
Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death leaves a void in Bayelsa’s leadership. Analysts note his principled service, political courage, and adherence to constitutional norms will influence discussions on governance, party loyalty, and elections ahead of 2027.
Emeka Amaefula
+234(0)8111813069
