Bayelsa mourns Ewhrudjakpo: A statesman remembered legacy of service, loyalty, dedication
The state of Bayelsa paused on Wednesday to honour one of its most distinguished public servants, the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in a heartfelt Day of Tribute at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall.
Family, political leaders, and community representatives gathered to celebrate a life dedicated to public service, integrity, and the advancement of the Niger Delta region.
Governor Douye Diri, visibly emotional, described the loss as both personal and institutional.
“Lawrence was not just a deputy governor; he was a brother, an adviser, and a trusted partner in governance,” Diri said, his voice breaking at times.
“The path we started together on February 14, 2020, is now mine to complete, but his principles and vision will guide every step.”
Governor Diri urged Bayelsans to uphold the values Ewhrudjakpo championed—unity, service, and commitment to the public good.
“His legacy is not just in what he built or accomplished, but in the lives he touched, the examples he set, and the integrity he embodied,” Diri stated, his words resonating through the hall filled with mourners and admirers.
Ewhrudjakpo, who served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure before ascending to the deputy governorship, was lauded for his unwavering commitment to development and governance.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described him as an “extraordinary politician, deeply committed to doing what was right,” while former Governor and current Senator Seriake Dickson recalled a 30-year political partnership.
He emphasised that the late deputy’s sudden passing marked an unprecedented loss in Bayelsa’s political history.
Beyond politics, Ewhrudjakpo’s influence extended to the judiciary, traditional institutions, and civil society.
Chief Judge Matilda Ayemieye highlighted the void left in the state judiciary, noting the deputy governor’s consistent support for justice and fairness.
Leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the Ijaw National Congress, and youth organisations echoed similar sentiments, underscoring his broader impact on regional unity and development.
The ceremony also drew an array of dignitaries, including former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, military governors, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and religious leaders, reflecting the widespread respect Ewhrudjakpo commanded.
Many highlighted his personal qualities—integrity, loyalty, and resourcefulness—as traits that inspired both colleagues and citizens.
Dr. Solomon Edward, representing the Ewhrudjakpo family, noted that beyond his political achievements, the deputy governor was a father figure, mentor, and benefactor to communities in Sagbama Local Government Area.
“He was a man of action and principle, whose absence will be deeply felt by family and constituents alike,” Edward said.
The tribute day was not only a commemoration of a life cut short but also a reminder of the enduring mark a dedicated public servant can leave on a state and a region, a testament to Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s vision, leadership, and unshakeable dedication to Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.
