Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the funeral rites of late Deputy Governor, Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a solemn moment of reflection that revealed the full depth of the departed leader’s service to Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Senator Dickson, who had been in Bayelsa since Wednesday, said he participated in a series of activities marking the burial, including the Day of Tributes, a court valedictory session, a Vigil Mass, and the final funeral Mass held on Friday at Ofoni, Ewhrudjakpo’s hometown in Sagbama Local Government Area, where the late deputy governor was laid to rest.
According to him, the mourning period created a rare opportunity for many people to recognise the far-reaching influence of Ewhrudjakpo’s years of public service—an impact he said was previously known only to a few close associates but is now widely acknowledged across the state and the country.
Dickson expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and Governor Douye Diri for organising what he described as a dignified and well-coordinated funeral for a man who served the state loyally in several capacities until his death.
He also appreciated former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife for their consistent presence throughout the funeral events, including the burial Mass in Ofoni.
The former governor further acknowledged the support of elders, political leaders and associates who stood by him during the period of mourning.
He disclosed that before departing Bayelsa, he received condolence visits from former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, and the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali, alongside his delegation, who all paid respects before proceeding to the burial ceremony.
Dickson thanked individuals and groups who visited, called, or extended condolences to him, the governor and the state government, noting that the overwhelming show of solidarity eased the burden of grief on the family.
He described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a devastating personal loss, saying it was the most painful experience he had endured since the passing of his mother.
He urged the public to continue praying for the repose of the late deputy governor’s soul and to keep his immediate family in their thoughts, assuring that he had taken personal responsibility for the welfare of the young family left behind.
He prayed for eternal rest for Ewhrudjakpo and strength for all who mourn him, describing the loss as one that would be deeply felt for years to come.
