Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. He described the loss as not only painful but also shocking for both the state and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a condolence message released on Friday through his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, Makinde extended his heartfelt sympathies to Ewhrudjakpo’s family, the Bayelsa State Government, the people of Bayelsa, and the broader PDP community.

Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed at the Bayelsa Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday, leading to widespread grief within the political sphere.

Governor Makinde praised Ewhrudjakpo as a dedicated party loyalist and a courageous democrat, emphasizing that his contributions to governance and national development would be remembered. He prayed for the peaceful rest of Ewhrudjakpo's soul and for strength for his family and the people of Bayelsa to cope with this tragic loss.

“I received the news of our brother's passing, Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday, and it has been a devastating blow,” Makinde said. He added that the late deputy governor’s commitment to public service and steadfastness in promoting democratic ideals made his untimely death even more heartbreaking.