Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has described the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, PhD, as a principled statesman who embodied the finest ideals of leadership and service.
Omo-Agege, who served alongside Ewhrudjakpor in the 9th Senate, said the former lawmaker was “fiercely loyal to his righteous convictions” and committed to the cause of humanity and good governance.
In a personally signed statement, the Obarisi of Urhoboland said the sudden death of the Bayelsa deputy governor was a painful loss to Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta, the Urhobo Nation, and Nigeria as a whole.
“The confirmed sudden passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, PhD, is a terribly painful loss to all our good people of Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta, the Urhobo Nation and indeed our dear country,” he said.
Omo-Agege described Ewhrudjakpor as a “dear brother, a principled friend and an amazing statesman,” noting that he lived by the republican values of his Ofoni-Urhobo ancestry.
“He embodied the best of the indomitable Bayelsa spirit,” the former Senate Deputy President said.
He recalled Ewhrudjakpor’s public service as Commissioner for Works in Bayelsa State, where he said the late deputy governor served with “admirable diligence,” and praised his contributions in the Senate.
“As a colleague in the 9th Senate, he brought his huge intellectual wealth and wisdom to bear on complex leadership issues without ever seeking the limelight,” Omo-Agege stated.
Though both were senators, Omo-Agege said Ewhrudjakpor remained a dependable ally who offered constant advice and support during his tenure as Deputy President of the Senate.
“He was always there to advise and support me in my constitutional role. Never tired of suggesting solutions to questions that required excellent answers,” he added.
Omo-Agege said the Urhobo people had lost a patriot and that he personally had lost “a profoundly good brother whose passionate kindness cannot be repaid.”
He extended condolences to the Ewhrudjakpor family, the Ofoni people, and the Government and people of Bayelsa State.
“We thank God who made our brother such a unique blessing to humanity for the time he spent with us,” he said, expressing hope that Ewhrudjakpor’s life would remain an enduring example of service and faith.
