Asaba, December 14, 2025 – In a poignant display of inter-state solidarity, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has conveyed profound condolences to his Bayelsa counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, the bereaved family, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State following the sudden demise of Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo. The late deputy governor passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 60, after collapsing in his office at the Government House in Yenagoa.
In a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the death as "tragic and deeply saddening," highlighting the late Ewhrudjakpo's exceptional qualities that endeared him to many across the Niger Delta region and beyond. Known affectionately as "a man of many proverbs," Senator Ewhrudjakpo was celebrated for his uncommon wisdom, sharp intellect, profound humility, and eloquent communication style, often laced with insightful traditional proverbs that enriched public discourse.
Oborevwori noted that the deceased was a dedicated public servant whose contributions to governance left an indelible mark on Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole. "I join the Governor, his family, Government and people of Bayelsa State, friends and allies in mourning Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo," the statement read. "He was a team player, a dependable partner in leadership and a fountain of wisdom. His passing is a painful reminder of the fragility of life."
The Delta governor extended prayers for divine comfort to the bereaved, urging Governor Diri, the immediate family, and Bayelsans to find solace in the enduring legacies of service, dedication, and impactful leadership left by the late deputy governor. "On behalf of my family, the people and Government of Delta State, I pray that the Almighty God grants Governor Douye Diri, his family and all who mourn him the strength to bear this irreparable loss," Oborevwori added.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo's sudden death has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's political landscape, prompting an outpouring of tributes from leaders across the country. Born on September 5, 1965, in Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, he had a distinguished career in public service. He served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, where he oversaw significant infrastructural developments, including contributions to the Bayelsa International Airport project. Later, as Senator representing Bayelsa West from 2019 to 2020, he demonstrated resilience and commitment.
Elected alongside Governor Diri in 2020 and reelected in 2023, Ewhrudjakpo played a pivotal role in the Prosperity Administration, focusing on conflict resolution in communal disputes and advancing coastal state interests as Chairman of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform. His trademark use of proverbs made him a unique figure in governance, blending traditional wisdom with modern policy-making.
Bayelsa State has declared three days of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast, reflecting the profound loss felt statewide. Governor Diri, who cut short an official trip to return and mourn, has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death amid speculations, while cautioning against politicizing the tragedy.
Tributes have poured in from prominent figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, who described him as a devoted patriot and loyal steward; former Governor Seriake Dickson, who called him the "best among my political mentees" for his competence and loyalty; and the Nigeria Governors' Forum, expressing shock at the incident. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mourned him as a hero of political integrity, while the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) declared its own mourning period, praising his disciplined service.
Governor Oborevwori's condolence message underscores the close ties between Delta and Bayelsa, both oil-rich states in the Niger Delta facing similar developmental challenges. It reflects a shared sense of brotherhood among Southern governors, emphasizing unity in times of grief.
As Bayelsa prepares for burial arrangements in collaboration with the family, the late Ewhrudjakpo's legacy as a bridge-builder, intellectual giant, and humble leader continues to inspire. His death serves as a somber reminder of life's transience, even for those in the prime of service to their people.
In this period of mourning, leaders like Oborevwori call for reflection on the late deputy's contributions, urging continued commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta and Nigeria. The region has lost a gem, but his proverbs and principles will echo in the halls of governance for years to come.
