Life and Roots (1965–1980s)
Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo was born on 5 September 1965 in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, into the family of Chief and Mrs. Awhowho Ewhrudjakpo. His early life unfolded in the Ofoni Federated Communities, where he grew up rooted in the cultural richness and communal values of his people.
Ewhrudjakpo began his formal education at Ebikimiye Primary School, Kpakiama, completing his First School Leaving Certificate in 1976. He then attended Government College Bomadi and later Community Secondary School, Ofoni, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1987.
Academic Pursuits and Professional Training (1989–2009)
Driven by a passion for learning and service, Ewhrudjakpo furthered his education with multiple qualifications:
- Diploma in Community Health from Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology, Port Harcourt (1989–1991).
- B.Sc. in Secretarial Administration from Rivers State University of Science and Technology (1991–1996).
- MBA (Management Option) from the same university (completed in 2000).
- LL.B (Law) from Rivers State University (finished in 2007) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009.
- Later, he earned a Ph.D. in Human Rights and Labour Law from Rivers State University, conferred in December 2023.
These academic achievements positioned him as one of the most learned public officials in Bayelsa, blending legal expertise with management and human rights understanding.
Early Career and Political Rise
Before entering high-level politics, Ewhrudjakpo worked in various roles related to management, community development, and governance. Over time, he became actively involved in politics with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), known for its dominant role in Bayelsa State’s political landscape.
Senate Career (2019–2020)
In the 2019 Nigerian Senate elections, Ewhrudjakpo was elected to represent the Bayelsa West Senatorial District at the 9th National Assembly. His election reflected broad support within his constituency and marked his formal ascent into national legislative politics.
Becoming Deputy Governor (2020)
In the 2019 Bayelsa gubernatorial election, Ewhrudjakpo was chosen as the running mate to Douye Diri on the PDP ticket. Although the initial election result declared the opposition candidate the winner, the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified that result on technical grounds relating to the running mate’s qualification and directed that Diri and Ewhrudjakpo be issued certificates of return. They were sworn in on 14 February 2020 as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
As Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo was deeply involved in executive duties and policy implementation under Governor Diri, helping to steer development efforts across the oil-rich and geographically unique Bayelsa State.
In February 2024, he and Governor Diri were re-elected for a second term, underscoring the trust placed in their leadership by Bayelsa’s electorate.
Death and Legacy (2025)
On 11 December 2025, while still serving as Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo collapsed in his office in Yenagoa and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa for urgent treatment. Despite medical efforts, he passed away at the age of 60.
His sudden death marked the end of a distinguished career in public service—one characterized by academic excellence, steady political ascendancy, and deep commitment to Bayelsa’s governance.
