RismadarVoice Reporters
February 1, 2026
Dignitaries from across Nigeria on Saturday joined residents of Ofoni, a riverine community in the creeks of Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, to bid a final farewell to the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The usually quiet community was transformed into a national convergence point as narrow roads overflowed with mourners dressed in black suits, white lace, and flowing wrappers.
Long convoys accompanied by blaring sirens rolled through the town from the early hours, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
A solemn funeral mass was held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ofoni, attended by Presidents, Governors, Lawmakers, traditional Rulers, Clergy, and thousands of residents. President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, while former President Goodluck Jonathan attended alongside his wife, Patience Jonathan. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri led a delegation of state officials.
Inside the packed church, every seat was occupied, forcing many latecomers to remain outside and follow proceedings through mounted speakers. Emotions ran high as the flower-adorned purple casket bearing Ewhrudjakpo’s remains was wheeled slowly down the aisle and placed before the altar.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Senator Lokpobiri described the late deputy governor as a man whose legacy would endure beyond his lifetime.
“Life is about service and legacy. Posterity will judge everybody. By this standard, Ewhrudjakpo lived a good life. He will be remembered for his wisdom and selfless service,” Lokpobiri said.
Former President Jonathan also paid glowing tribute, describing Ewhrudjakpo as “a good man of the people” whose death was deeply painful.
“As Christians, we say in all things we give thanks to God. But there are some things that happen and make it difficult to thank God. The death of Lawrence is one of them,” Jonathan said.
“It is rare for a politician at that level to be so universally praised. He consulted widely lawmakers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders before taking decisions.”
Governor Diri, visibly emotional, remembered his late deputy as a careful and dependable partner in governance.
“We all know how careful he was — what he ate, what he drank, where he went. He even carried a small flask everywhere. If carefulness alone were enough, perhaps Lawrence would still be here. But God knows best,” Diri said, describing him as “the dependable deputy.”
In his homily, Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo urged political leaders to emulate Ewhrudjakpo’s virtues, saying his life had restored faith in public service.
“He made us believe in politics again. He was forthright, generous, humble, and humane. Leaders must learn from his life,” the bishop said, while encouraging mourners not to grieve without hope.
At the conclusion of the service, a guard of honour received the casket as choirs rendered solemn hymns.
Traditional rulers performed symbolic rites, while condolence visits continued late into the evening.
Among other prominent attendees were Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Seriake Dickson, deputy governors from several states, federal lawmakers, captains of industry, senior clergy, and traditional rulers adorned in regal attire.
