Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday after he reportedly collapsed and was rushed to a hospital in Yenagoa. He died at age of 60.
The development caused tension in Yenagoa, the state capital aa Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. The incident occurred around 1:30 pm while the deputy governor was in his office, prompting an emergency response.
Eyewitnesses described him as being in a serious condition when he was taken to the hospital’s emergency unit. Although he was said to be stable at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, the Deputy Governor, later died.
A source said he was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for urgent medical attention. However, this could not be independently confirmed, as the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Ben Akpedi, did not respond to calls.
When contacted, the Deputy Governor’s media aide, Doubara Atasi, confirmed the development but declined to give details. Asked to confirm the incident, Atasi said, “Yes,” and immediately ended the call. Ewhrudjakpo was notably absent during Governor Douye Diri’s announcement of his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party in October.
While Diri officially declared his departure from the PDP to join the All Progressives Congress alongside members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Ewhrudjakpo’s presence and position on the move were not mentioned.
Diri, who cited “obvious reasons” for his resignation, did not provide details about any grievances with the party.
His Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, confirmed that the announcement was made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, which included key officials such as the Speaker of the House, Abraham Ingobere, and his deputy, Michael Ogbere.
Alabrah’s statement noted that the governor had made the decision after extensive consultations with state leaders and thanked supporters for their continued loyalty, urging them to remain engaged as he seeks to build a “strong and vibrant Bayelsa.”
