How Bayelsa Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Slumped and Died After Refusing to Defect to APC
Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has been confirmed dead.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has been confirmed dead after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa. The incident occurred on a Thursday evening, prompting an immediate medical emergency response that ended in his death being officially pronounced at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.
According to information from government sources and administrative staff, the deputy governor was engaged in routine official activities shortly before he suddenly slumped.
Ejes Gist News reports that he was promptly transported to FMC Yenagoa by medical and security personnel attached to the Government House.
Despite efforts by medical professionals to stabilise him, he was declared dead moments after arrival. At the time of filing this report, no official medical statement had been issued regarding the precise cause of death.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Aftermath
Individuals familiar with the situation confirmed that the deputy governor showed no prior visible signs of distress before collapsing. Staff members who witnessed the incident described it as sudden, adding that emergency protocols were activated instantly.
Medical personnel attempted resuscitation both in transit and upon arrival at the hospital, but officials later confirmed that all interventions were unsuccessful.
The Government House has not yet issued a comprehensive statement, and the atmosphere around the deputy governor’s office reportedly remains tense. His media aide, Doubara Atasi, could not be reached for comment, as calls to his phone line were unsuccessful.
Leadership Dynamics Before the Incident
Before his sudden death, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo had been at the centre of heightened political developments in Bayelsa State. Months earlier, Governor Douye Diri formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that altered the political structure within the state’s executive leadership.
The deputy governor did not attend the public ceremony marking the governor’s defection. Multiple political observers noted that he had maintained his membership and loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite increasing pressure from political stakeholders to align with the new ruling party at the state level.
Governor Diri publicly stated at the time that he would not compel his deputy to defect. He also said engagements were ongoing to maintain cohesion within the leadership of the state.
Pending Legal and Legislative Issues
At the time of the incident, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was also involved in a legal dispute centred on attempts by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against him. The lawmakers had reportedly initiated discussions following his refusal to defect alongside the governor.
In response, the deputy governor, through his legal representatives, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order restraining the Assembly from proceeding with any impeachment actions.
Court filings showed that he asked the court to protect his constitutional rights as an elected officeholder, insisting that declining to join a political party cannot serve as legitimate grounds for impeachment under Nigerian law.
The legal matter had been expected to progress to an early hearing date, as court officers had acknowledged receipt of the filings. His death is now expected to affect the case’s status and outcomes significantly.
Rising Workload Concerns and Unofficial Reports
While an official medical cause of death has not been announced, several administrative sources indicated that the deputy governor had been experiencing an intensive work schedule in recent weeks. According to these accounts, he had been managing increasing responsibilities linked to governance, political negotiations, and legal engagements.
Some early reports linked his collapse to physical exhaustion or stress-related complications. However, medical authorities have not validated these claims, and any such connections remain unconfirmed.
State medical officials indicated that formal autopsy procedures would be necessary before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Political and Administrative Implications for Bayelsa State
The death of a sitting deputy governor represents a major administrative development for Bayelsa State. The state’s Constitution-backed succession structures place new responsibilities on Governor Diri and the Bayelsa State Executive Council.
Key implications include:
- A forthcoming nomination process for a replacement deputy governor, subject to Assembly approval.
- Potential shifts in political alliances, particularly regarding the existing friction between PDP stakeholders and APC-aligned structures within the state.
- Expected reassessment of ongoing governance projects coordinated jointly by the governor and late deputy governor.
Political actors within the state are reportedly monitoring the developments closely, especially given the deputy governor’s prominence in state planning operations, intergovernmental relations, and legal coordination for executive matters.
National Reactions Expected
Reactions from national political figures, including the Presidency, governors’ forum, and party leadership, are expected following verification and official communication from the Bayelsa State Government.
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo had served in several notable capacities before becoming deputy governor, including legislative roles and federal appointments. His sudden death therefore carries national significance, particularly within political circles that closely followed his career trajectory.
Security agencies have also strengthened visibility around Government House Yenagoa as officials await directives on public communication and necessary state protocols.
Awaited Official Government Statement
As of the time of this report, Bayelsa State authorities are expected to release an official announcement that will outline:
- Confirmation of the death
- Preliminary medical findings
- Government protocols for mourning
- Administrative steps regarding the office of the deputy governor
- Public directives regarding condolence visits
Residents of the state and political stakeholders across the country continue to await details that will provide clearer insight into the circumstances surrounding the deputy governor’s passing.
