Diri Orders Autopsy to Determine Cause of Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to medically establish the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 60.
Governor Diri gave the directive while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan during a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The governor cautioned against the politicisation of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, particularly on social media, urging residents to respect the ongoing period of mourning. In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, Diri appealed to the public to avoid speculation and instead focus on celebrating the life and service of the late deputy governor, whom he described as a dedicated and committed public servant.
According to the governor, the autopsy is aimed at putting an end to rumours and speculation surrounding the circumstances of the death.
“I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on 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.
He added that the Bayelsa State Government had declared three working days of mourning in honour of the late deputy governor and urged residents to emulate the show of solidarity demonstrated by the former president.
Earlier, former President Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a painful loss to Bayelsa State and its people, noting the late deputy governor’s consistent support for programmes of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programmes,” Jonathan said.
He recalled that Ewhrudjakpo continued in that role even outside Nigeria, including at events in Accra, Ghana, and in Abuja during the 10th anniversary of the foundation.
Jonathan described the late deputy governor as humble, hardworking and widely respected, adding that his dedication to duty should serve as a lesson to public office holders.
“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, while praying for God to comfort the state and the bereaved family.
Following the condolence visit, Governor Diri and former President Jonathan also visited the wife of the late deputy governor, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at their residence within the Government House complex.
