The late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was laid to rest on Friday at his hometown in Ofoni Federated Communities, Sagbama Local Government Area.
The funeral service, held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ofoni, drew a host of prominent dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (represented by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere), Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
President Tinubu, speaking through his representative, praised Ewhrudjakpo’s legacy of service, describing his passing as a significant loss to both Bayelsa State and Nigeria. According to Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa Governor, Tinubu encouraged the family and people of Bayelsa to find comfort in the fact that Ewhrudjakpo “lived a good life, fought a good fight, and left an enduring legacy.”
He said: “Life is about service and legacy. Posterity will always judge everybody. By this standard, we can say that Ewhrudjakpo lived a good life. He will be remembered for his wisdom and selfless service.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a “bitter pill to swallow” but urged Christians to give thanks to God despite the loss. He commended the late deputy governor for his positive impact on those around him, noting the rarity of a politician of his stature being so widely respected.
Jonathan said: “Everyone speaks well of Lawrence. He was a good man who related well with people. It is very rare for someone who rose to the position of deputy governor to be remembered this way.”
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, also paid tribute, calling the loss a harsh reality that cannot be ignored. He described Ewhrudjakpo as a careful and prudent individual, and expressed gratitude to national leaders who consoled the state government and contributed to the burial’s success.
Governor Diri said: “Today we gather to honour a man of outstanding public service. Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo came forth like a flower, brightening our days, and now he has been taken from our sight by the Almighty God.”
During the service, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, urged Christians not to grieve like those without hope. He encouraged emulation of Ewhrudjakpo’s humility, generosity, and integrity in public service.
Other notable attendees included former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Justice Patience Diri, former Bayelsa Governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, and deputy governors from several states including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Benue, Abia, Plateau, and Bauchi.
Also present were key federal and state officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Watson-Jack, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and former National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus. Members of the Bayelsa National Assembly delegation, state legislators, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and religious leaders were in attendance as well.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State passed away on December 11, 2025, after collapsing in his office at the Government House.
