Tinubu, Jonathan, Diri, Makinde, Obi Lead Dignitaries to Final Burial of Late Bayelsa Deputy Governor

Prominent national leaders, former presidents and governors on Friday converged on Ofoni Federated Communities in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was laid to rest amid solemn tributes.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, were among the dignitaries who attended the funeral service held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ofoni.

Also present were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, alongside several serving and former public office holders from across the country.

Delivering President Tinubu’s message, Senator Lokpobiri described the death of Ewhrudjakpo as a monumental loss to Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large, noting that the late deputy governor left behind a legacy of selfless service and dedication to public good.

According to the President, Ewhrudjakpo’s life exemplified service and integrity, adding that history and posterity would judge him kindly. He urged the family and the people of Bayelsa to take comfort in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled and impactful life.

“Life is about service and legacy. Posterity will always judge everybody. By this standard, we can comfortably say that Ewhrudjakpo lived a good life. He will be remembered for his wisdom and selfless service,” the President said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remarks, described the late deputy governor’s passing as a “bitter pill to swallow,” but urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and gratitude to God, even in moments of deep sorrow.

Jonathan praised Ewhrudjakpo as a rare politician who earned widespread respect and goodwill, noting that it was uncommon for a public office holder of his stature to be spoken of so positively.

“Everyone speaks good of Lawrence. He was a good man who related well with people. It is very difficult to find a politician who rose to the position of deputy governor to be well spoken of in this manner,” Jonathan said, praying for divine comfort for the family and the people of Ofoni.

Governor Douye Diri described the death of his deputy as a painful and harsh reality but said it was an act of God beyond human questioning. He noted that Ewhrudjakpo was known for his careful and disciplined lifestyle, stressing that only God understood the purpose behind his passing.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and all individuals and institutions that stood by Bayelsa State throughout the period of mourning and burial.

“Today we gather under this sober atmosphere of grief as well as in gratitude to honour a man of outstanding public service,” Diri said, quoting from the Book of Job to underscore the fragility of human life.

In his sermon, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, admonished Christians not to grieve without hope, urging them to fix their eyes on Jesus Christ. He described the late Ewhrudjakpo as forthright, humble and generous, qualities he said public office holders should emulate.

The burial ceremony was attended by several other dignitaries, including former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson; deputy governors from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Benue, Abia, Plateau, Bauchi and Enugu states; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Watson-Jack.

Others present were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu; former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau; as well as members of the National Assembly and Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo passed away on December 11, 2025, after collapsing in his office at the Government House, Yenagoa.