Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo, has died after reportedly collapsing earlier on Thursday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced.
His death followed hours of anxiety across the state as unconfirmed reports circulated about a medical emergency involving the deputy governor. The Bayelsa State Government has not yet issued an official statement.
The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP leadership described the news as “deeply shocking,” with National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong noting that the loss had thrown the party into “profound grief,” particularly among members in Bayelsa.
In its statement, the PDP praised Ewhrudjakpo as a principled politician whose public life was anchored on integrity and conviction, adding that he remained a loyal party member until his final moments.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo had served as deputy governor under Governor Douye Diri since 2020, after the pair won the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election and secured reelection in 2023. His recent absence during Governor Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October had fuelled political speculation within the state.
Before his death, he was pursuing a court case seeking to restrain the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him over his refusal to leave the PDP.
The PDP extended condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State, praying for the repose of his soul and describing his passing as an “irreparable loss.”
