Deputy governors, Coscharis CEO, others condole Bayelsa governor over Ewhrudjakpo’s passing
The Government House in Yenagoa witnessed an outpouring of grief and solidarity on Monday as the Forum of Deputy Governors in Nigeria paid a condolence visit to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and the family of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The delegation, led by the chairman of the forum and Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, included deputy governors from Akwa Ibom, Benue, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Imo, and Rivers States.
They gathered to honour the memory of Ewhrudjakpo, a distinguished public servant and community leader who served Bayelsa with dedication and intellect.
Speaking during the visit, Ossai described the late deputy governor as a gentleman whose calm demeanor and problem-solving approach left a lasting impression.
“We came to share in this difficult moment with Bayelsa State and to assure His Excellency that he can count on our support, prayers, and encouragement at every step,” Ossai said.
“Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was a remarkable man whose service to his people reflected deep commitment and affection.”
The forum presented a donation of N50 million to support the family and funeral arrangements for their late colleague.
The delegation also visited the deputy governor’s wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, to express their personal condolences.
Paying tribute from the private sector, President and CEO of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, described the sudden loss as “unfortunate and unpredictable,” sharing his personal experiences with bereavement.
“Death can occur at any time. I lost my father at age four, my mother in my thirties, and my wife later in life. I pray God grants the governor the strength to endure this loss,” he said.
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, also joined the condolence visit.
He praised Ewhrudjakpo as a noble and principled leader whose industriousness left an indelible mark on Bayelsa.
“His passing is a painful moment for the state and the entire Ijaw nation.
”He leaves behind a void in government that will be difficult to fill,” Lokpobiri noted.
In response, Governor Diri reflected on the late deputy governor’s legacy of selflessness, humility, and dedication.
“Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo used every office he held to serve Bayelsa and Nigeria. His death is a profound loss not only to our state but also to his Ofoni community,” the governor said.
He urged the public to depoliticise the tragedy, emphasising that death is a natural occurrence that spares no one.
Diri also announced the formation of a funeral committee, comprising government officials, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and his church, which will soon release details of the state burial arrangements.
“From this event, we are reminded that life is fleeting, and every office we hold is a trust for the people.
”Let us honor the memory of our colleague by serving with integrity and devotion,” he added.
