Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has died after collapsing suddenly in his office on Thursday.
The unexpected death occurred around 1:30 pm, prompting an immediate emergency response that saw him rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was later pronounced dead.
Eyewitnesses at the Bayelsa Government House said Ewhrudjakpo slumped while attending to official duties and was quickly taken to the hospital’s emergency unit before being moved to the Intensive Care Unit.
However, despite the rapid medical attention, doctors were unable to revive him.
Born on September 5, 1965, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was 60 years old at the time of his death.
His passing has been described as a significant loss to the state’s leadership, given his role as a key figure in Bayelsa’s political landscape.
The deputy governor had been known for his demanding work schedule, with several sources saying he rarely found time to rest.
A close associate recalled in earlier reports that “He’s a workaholic; he should find time to rest,” suggesting that his intense pace may have contributed to his collapse.
Security personnel quickly cordoned off the hospital as top government officials and aides gathered at FMC to assess the situation and show support.
Meanwhile, the deputy governor’s media aide could not be reached for comment by press time.
The cause of his collapse has not been officially released, though several reports indicate that a possible cardiac-related emergency may have played a role in the incident.
Tension and sadness have gripped Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital, as news of the deputy governor’s death spread quickly.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo served as Bayelsa’s deputy governor since February 14, 2020, and was previously a federal lawmaker.
His contributions to governance and public service were widely recognised both within the state and across Nigeria’s political sphere.
