Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered all members of the state executive council to undergo compulsory medical examinations following the sudden death of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The governor issued the directive on Wednesday during a cabinet meeting in Yenagoa, instructing the Commissioner for Health, Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure full compliance by all cabinet members.
Diri said the decision was necessitated by the late deputy governor’s death, noting that public office holders often operate under intense pressure and demanding schedules, making regular medical check-ups essential to prevent avoidable deaths.
While acknowledging that death is inevitable, the governor stressed that proactive health management could help improve quality of life and longevity.
He disclosed that an autopsy had been conducted on Ewhrudjakpo and that the findings would be made public at the appropriate time.
Diri also cautioned against the politicisation of the deputy governor’s death, describing such actions as insensitive, and announced that a burial committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, had been inaugurated, with the burial date to be announced soon.
“We thank everyone who mourned with us and pray that in 2026, we will celebrate and not mourn,” the governor said.
“All of us must take our health seriously to prevent avoidable deaths. Members of the State Executive Council are hereby directed to undergo compulsory medical check-ups. This directive must be carried out.
“I ordered an autopsy, and the report is ready. At the appropriate time, it will be made public.
“While we were mourning, some individuals chose to politicise the death of our deputy instead of showing compassion. That was disappointing,” he added.
Ewhrudjakpo reportedly slumped and died on December 11, 2025, throwing the state into mourning. The state government formally announced his death more than 24 hours later, after the Peoples Democratic Party had issued condolence messages to the government and the family.
His sudden passing sparked widespread shock across the state, with many residents expressing concern and raising questions on social media over the circumstances surrounding his death. This prompted the state government to order an autopsy to determine the cause.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Health Seiyefa Brisibe presented the governor with an award plaque and a dummy cheque of $400,000 after Bayelsa emerged first runner-up in the South-South Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge.
The competition, funded by UNICEF, the Dangote Group, and other international partners, recognises excellence in healthcare delivery and leadership.
Diri described the award as encouraging, saying it reflected the impact of the state’s sustained investment in the health sector.
“This is the best award we have won so far, and it comes with a dollar reward. It is the result of exceptional performance in the health sector. When you work hard, results like this follow,” the governor said.
Earlier, Brisibe attributed Bayelsa’s recognition to Diri’s commitment to strengthening the health system and also presented him with the Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance in recognition of his contributions to the National Association of Nurses and Midwives in Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
