The Bayelsa State Government on Friday confirmed the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and announced a three-day state mourning in his honour.

In an official statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government described Ewhrudjakpo’s passing as one that came with “deep regret and profound shock.”

According to the statement: “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 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.”

Following the confirmation, Governor Douye Diri declared a three-day state mourning beginning Friday and ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast.

The statement continued: “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. His demise is not just painful; it is a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation.”

Governor Diri extended condolences to the late deputy governor’s wife, Beatrice, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of Bayelsa State. He prayed for divine comfort “for the family and the entire State.”

Ewhrudjakpo served as deputy governor under Diri from 2020 until his death. He first emerged as Diri’s running mate in the 2019 governorship election and was re-elected with him in 2023.