Yenagoa, December 14, 2025 – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically ascertain the cause of death of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 60. The announcement was made during a condolence visit by former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Government House in Yenagoa on Saturday, December 13.
Governor Diri emphasized the need for the autopsy to quell rampant speculation surrounding the circumstances of Ewhrudjakpo's death, particularly on social media platforms. In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri cautioned against politicizing the tragedy, urging residents to respect the state's mourning period and focus on honoring the late deputy's legacy of dedicated service.
“I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media," Diri stated. "If anyone is issuing a statement to eulogise him, let it end there and allow us to mourn him because the state is in a mourning mood.” He reiterated that the three-day state mourning period, declared effective from Friday, December 12, should be observed solemnly, with flags flying at half-mast across the state.
The governor expressed gratitude to former President Jonathan for his solidarity, noting it as an example for all Bayelsans. “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,” Diri said.
During the visit, former President Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo's passing as a profound and painful loss to Bayelsa State and its people. He fondly recalled the late deputy's unwavering support for programs organized by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation, both within Nigeria and abroad. “For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programmes,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan highlighted specific instances, including Ewhrudjakpo's representation at an event in Accra, Ghana, earlier in 2025, and his mobilization of assembly members and commissioners to Abuja on November 20 for the foundation's 10th anniversary. “Whenever I have a programme, Bayelsa State is always represented. It is quite a sad moment for all of us,” he added.
The former president praised Ewhrudjakpo as humble, hardworking, and widely respected, emphasizing his tireless dedication as a lesson for public office holders. “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,” Jonathan remarked. He prayed for divine comfort for the state and the immediate family, expressing hope that Bayelsa would not experience such an incident again.
Following the Government House meeting, Governor Diri and former President Jonathan visited the widow, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at the family's residence within the Government House complex to offer personal condolences.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo collapsed in his office on December 11 while preparing for a scheduled meeting and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, where he was pronounced dead. His death has elicited widespread tributes, underscoring his contributions as a former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator for Bayelsa West (2019-2020), and loyal deputy since 2020.
The state government has assured collaboration with the family on burial arrangements, while leaders across Nigeria continue to mourn the loss of a figure known for integrity and commitment to development in the Niger Delta.
