### Bayelsa State in Mourning: The Sudden Passing of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo The recent death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, has sent shockwaves through the region and beyond. Ewhrudjakpo, who was 60 years old, reportedly collapsed while performing his official duties at the Government House in Yenagoa on December 12, 2025. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Federal Medical Centre. His untimely demise has prompted an outpouring of grief from various quarters, including government officials, political leaders, and citizens alike. The Bayelsa State government has declared three days of mourning in his honor, reflecting the significant impact of his loss on the community and the state’s political landscape [https://nationalwire.com.ng/mixed-reactions-trail-bayelsas-deputy-govs-death-as-pdp-govt-issue-statements][https://elanhub.net/bayelsa-govt-confirms-deputy-governors-death-declares-three-day-mourning]. ### Overview of Reactions and Responses to Ewhrudjakpo's Death 1. **Official Condolences**: - Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed his condolences to Bayelsa's Governor Douye Diri and the people of the state [https://newtelegraphng.com/oborevwori-condoles-diri-family-bayelsans-over-passing-of-ewhrudjakpo]. - The South-South Governors' Forum and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also issued statements mourning his passing [https://naija247news.com/south-south-governors-pdp-mourn-bayelsa-deputy-governor-lawrence-ewhrudjakpo]. 2. **Public Mourning**: - The Bayelsa State government declared three days of mourning starting from December 12, 2025, to honor Ewhrudjakpo's contributions [https://aljazirahnews.com/bayelsa-govt-declares-3-days-morning-for-late-dep-gov]. - Various political figures, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, described Ewhrudjakpo's death as a significant loss to the state and the nation [https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/12/cross-river-deputy-governor-mourns-bayelsa-counterpart-senator-ewhrudjakpo]. 3. **Circumstances of Death**: - Eyewitness accounts indicate that Ewhrudjakpo collapsed around 1:30 PM while in his office, leading to immediate emergency medical response [https://wabusinessnewsng.com/pdp-mourns-as-bayelsa-deputy-governor-ewhrudjakpo-dies-in-fmc-yenagoa-after-collapsing-in-office]. - The PDP confirmed his death shortly after the incident, which had raised concerns about his health earlier that day [https://solacebase.com/pdp-confirms-death-of-bayelsa-deputy-gov-lawrence-ewhrudjakpo]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Timeline of Events**: - **December 11, 2025**: Reports of Ewhrudjakpo collapsing in his office begin to circulate [https://thewhistler.ng/breaking-bayelsa-deputy-governor-is-dead]. - **December 12, 2025**: Official confirmation of his death is made by the Bayelsa State government and the PDP [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/breaking-bayelsa-deputy-governor-lawrence-ewhrudjakpo-is-dead-details-photo]. - **December 12, 2025**: The Bayelsa State government declares three days of mourning [https://themomentng.com/2025/12/12/bayelsa-govt-declares-3-days-mourning-for-late-dep-gov-ewhrudjakpo]. ### Conclusion: A Community in Grief The sudden passing of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has left a profound impact on Bayelsa State and its citizens. The following points summarize the key aspects of this tragic event: 1. **Ewhrudjakpo's Death**: He collapsed while on duty and was later pronounced dead at the hospital, leading to widespread mourning [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/breaking-bayelsa-deputy-governor-lawrence-ewhrudjakpo-dies-after-sudden-collapse]. 2. **Government Response**: The Bayelsa State government has declared three days of mourning, reflecting the significance of his role in the state [https://aljazirahnews.com/bayelsa-govt-declares-3-days-morning-for-late-dep-gov]. 3. **Condolences from Leaders**: Numerous political leaders have expressed their condolences, highlighting the loss felt across the political spectrum [https://newtelegraphng.com/oborevwori-condoles-diri-family-bayelsans-over-passing-of-ewhrudjakpo]. This tragic event underscores the fragility of life and the deep connections within the community, as they come together to honor the legacy of their late Deputy Governor.