Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered a medical autopsy to determine the exact cause of death of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, at the age of 60.
The governor gave the directive while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan, who paid a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa. Diri warned against the politicisation of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, particularly on social media, and appealed to the public to respect the period of mourning in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said the autopsy was necessary to put an end to rumours and speculation surrounding the deputy governor’s passing. He urged residents to focus on celebrating Ewhrudjakpo’s life, dedication and service to Bayelsa State.
“I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of unnecessary speculation on social media. If anyone is issuing a statement to eulogise him, let it end there and allow us to mourn him because the state is in a mourning mood,” Diri said.
The governor noted that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in honour of the late deputy governor and encouraged residents to show solidarity, as demonstrated by the former president’s visit.
Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a painful loss to Bayelsa State and the nation. He recalled the late deputy governor’s consistent support for programmes of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation, noting that Ewhrudjakpo often represented the governor at foundation events both within and outside Nigeria.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programmes. Even outside the country, he did the same,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo recently mobilised state officials for the foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration in Abuja.
Jonathan described the late deputy governor as humble, hardworking and deeply committed to public service, saying his work ethic should serve as a lesson to others in government.
“I was also a deputy governor, but he worked harder than me. He hardly appeared to rest. This is a lesson for all of us to find time to rest,” he said, praying for God’s comfort for the state and Ewhrudjakpo’s family.
After the condolence visit, Governor Diri and former President Jonathan visited Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at their residence within the Government House complex.
