The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday.
Concerns had mounted earlier in the day about his health following reports that he had collapsed. In a statement issued Thursday night, the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki–led National Working Committee, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described his passing as “shocking.”
The Bayelsa State government has not yet released an official statement on the deputy governor’s death.
In its tribute, the PDP described Ewhrudjakpo as a loyal and dependable party man whose demise has plunged the party, especially its members in Bayelsa State into deep mourning. The party prayed for the repose of his soul and extended condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State.
The PDP statement reads in part: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and a trusted, faithful party man, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and died earlier today.
“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.
“While alive, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practiced politics with principle. He was a man of conviction, not convenience—anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity and pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss.”
Ewhrudjakpo served as Deputy Governor under Governor Douye Diri from 2020 until his passing. He was first chosen as Diri’s running mate for the November 2019 governorship election and retained the position when the administration was re-elected in 2023.
Before his death, he had been notably absent from Governor Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October. Following that defection, Governor Diri publicly stated that he would not compel his deputy to join the ruling party, adding that he would continue to engage him constructively.
Meanwhile, Ewhrudjakpo had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order to restrain the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from proceeding with an alleged plot to impeach him over his decision to remain in the PDP.
