Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered that a post-mortem examination be conducted to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, following his sudden collapse and passing.
Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday after he reportedly slumped in his office and was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, where medical personnel later confirmed him dead on arrival.
Governor Diri gave the directive while speaking at the Government House in Yenagoa during a condolence visit by former President Goodluck Jonathan. He cautioned against attempts to politicise the deputy governor’s death, condemning what he described as irresponsible narratives circulating online.
“I have directed that an autopsy be done to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on social media,” the governor said.
He appealed to residents and political actors to show restraint and respect, stressing that death should never be a tool for political rivalry, particularly within Ijaw land.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the death of our dearly beloved deputy governor. If anyone loves him, this is the time to show it.
“If anybody is issuing any statement to eulogise him, please end at that and mourn him because the state is in a mourning mood. That is why we have declared three working days of mourning, and we expect everyone in the state to do what the former president has done today.
“Let us love one another to the point of death because all of us will answer this call one day.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remarks, described Ewhrudjakpo as a man whose dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression on him. He said the late deputy governor was exceptionally committed to duty and worked tirelessly in office.
Jonathan noted that Ewhrudjakpo’s approach to public service surpassed even his own experience as a former deputy governor of the state, describing him as humble, industrious and deeply respected across political and social lines.
“I was also a deputy governor, but he worked harder than me. He hardly appeared to rest. This is a lesson for all of us to find time to rest. We pray that this state does not experience this kind of incident again. We ask God to cushion the impact of this loss on the state, especially on the immediate family,” he said.
Following the meeting, Governor Diri and former President Jonathan paid a condolence visit to the wife of the late deputy governor, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at the family residence within the Government House complex.
What you should know
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death has plunged Bayelsa State into mourning, prompting the government to declare three working days of official mourning.
Governor Douye Diri has ordered an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death, amid growing public speculation. The governor has urged residents to avoid politicising the tragedy and to honour the late deputy governor with dignity and unity.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo as an exceptionally dedicated public servant whose work ethic set a standard for those in office. The state leadership has emphasised compassion, restraint and respect during this period of grief.
