A solemn and emotionally charged Day of Tribute was held in honour of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D, who sadly passed on December 11, 2025, as family members, political associates, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate a life of service and uncommon dedication.
The tribute event, organised by the Bayelsa State Government at the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, featured heartfelt reflections from family members, close associates and prominent national figures, all of whom described the late deputy governor as a distinguished public servant whose impact cut across generations.
Among those who paid glowing tributes were the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri; former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson; the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba Ogele, Ph.D. PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, and the IYC President, Jonathan Lokpobiri.
In his tribute, Governor Douye Diri once again eulogised his late deputy, describing him as a consummate public servant, a tree that provided shade for many, steadfast, tireless, resourceful, a workaholic and a man imbued with the wisdom of the forebears. The governor, who attended the event alongside his wives, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri and Justice (Mrs.) Patience Ama Diri, called on politicians and leaders to continue to honour the memory of the late Ewhrudjakpo by living in unity and upholding the values he stood for.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remarks, said the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death came as a devastating blow from which he was yet to fully recover. He described the late deputy governor as an extraordinary politician who discharged his duties diligently and with deep commitment to the people.
Similarly, Senator Seriake Dickson, while appreciating the people for the honour accorded the late Ewhrudjakpo, disclosed that he was deeply shattered by the loss of a man he described as a trusted partner on a shared journey of service to the people and the preservation of the integrity of Bayelsa State.
The tribute ceremony also featured cultural performances, recitations of notable proverbs attributed to His Excellency, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D, as well as special remarks by Governor Douye Diri, all highlighting the values, wisdom and legacy of the departed leader.
Expressing profound appreciation, Governor Douye Diri thanked the Government and People of Bayelsa State, as well as the Ewhrudjakpo Family of Ofoni Federated Communities, for their presence at the special Day of Tribute. He noted that the overwhelming support and encouragement received were a great source of comfort to the family and the state, adding that they felt deeply honoured by the show of love for their beloved Deputy Governor, who, he said, “has gone to be with the Lord.”
The Day of Tribute stood as a solemn reminder of a life devoted to service, leadership and the enduring unity of Bayelsa State.
Top dignitaries in attendance were the wife of the former President of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, first Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Benson Agadaga, Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Konbowei Benson, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, member representing Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Hon. Oforji Oboku, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Rodney Ambaowei, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, Mitema Obordor, some non-serving members of the National Assembly, the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and other members of the Assembly, former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, immediate past Deputy Governor and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, members of the Executive Council, Service Commanders, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, IYC President, Jonathan Lokpobiri, APC Caretaker Chairman, Bayelsa, Chief Dennis Otiotio, the Ewhrudjakpo family, top government functionaries; and other private citizens.