Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has directed that an autopsy be carried out to determine the exact cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The decision comes amid growing speculation and rumours surrounding his sudden passing.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa. Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed in his office on Thursday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Visibly disturbed by reactions online, the governor condemned what he described as the politicisation of the deputy governor’s death. He appealed to the public to show restraint and respect during what he said is a period of mourning for the state.
“I have seen a lot of nonsense going on on social media,” Diri said. “In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the death of our dearly beloved deputy governor. If anyone truly loved him, this is the time to show it.”
The governor explained that the autopsy was ordered to establish the facts and put an end to speculation. He urged individuals and groups issuing statements to limit themselves to tributes and mourning, stressing that Bayelsa remains in an official mourning period marked by three working days of solemn observance.
Diri called on residents to emulate the show of solidarity demonstrated by former President Jonathan, urging unity, compassion, and respect for the deceased. “Let us love one another to the point of death,” he said, reminding everyone of life’s inevitability.
Speaking during the visit, Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as someone he would always remember fondly. He revealed that the deputy governor played a significant role in the activities of his foundation, often representing the Bayelsa governor at its programmes.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget,” Jonathan said. He added that Ewhrudjakpo approached those responsibilities with remarkable dedication, even more intensely than when he previously served as deputy governor.
As the state awaits the outcome of the autopsy, Bayelsa leaders continue to call for calm, dignity, and unity, urging citizens to honour the memory of the late deputy governor without turning his death into a political contest.
