Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed shock and sorrow over the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Abiodun said he received the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he had been rushed after slumping in his office that afternoon.
The governor described the incident as particularly painful, noting that the deputy governor was attending to his official duties when he collapsed, seemingly defying illness to serve the people of Bayelsa State.
While commiserating with the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State, Abiodun urged them to take solace in the life of service that Ewhrudjakpo led.
He said: “I received news of the demise of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow. The incident came as a profound shock to all of us, but we submit to the will of the Almighty God, who has chosen to call him home at this time.
“I know how painful and devastating that this development is for my brother, His Excellency, Governor Duoye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally. I also deeply commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased.
“It is my sincere prayer that the Almighty God will be with them and give them the strength to survive this hour of pain and sorrow. No doubt, Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole have lost a gem, but we shall take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of service to humanity and made profound change in the lives of people. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose.”
