Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday after collapsing at the Government House in Yenagoa, according to a condolence statement issued by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Abiodun, who also chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, said he received the news “with deep sorrow,” adding that Ewhrudjakpo died at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, where he was taken after slumping earlier in the day. Officials in Bayelsa State had not immediately issued a formal announcement as of Thursday evening.
Abiodun described the incident as shocking and said Ewhrudjakpo had been in his office attending to official duties when he collapsed.
In his statement, Abiodun condoled with Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, the state government and residents, describing the late deputy governor as a “dependable ally” and “a gem.”
He said Ewhrudjakpo “lived a life of service to humanity” and prayed for strength for the family and the people of Bayelsa.
Further details about the cause of death were not immediately available. Bayelsa State officials had yet to comment publicly.
