The Bayelsa State Government has fixed Friday, January 30, 2026, for the burial of the state’s late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Douye Diri made the announcement on Wednesday during the 179th State Executive Council (SEC) Meeting held at the Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor noted that the date was reached through a joint agreement between the state government, the bereaved family, and the Catholic Church.
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The transition rites for the late deputy governor, who passed away in December 2025, will be a multi-day event honouring his contributions to the state and the nation.
The official programme begins on Tuesday, January 27, with state-organised sporting activities. Rites and tribute sessions will continue from Wednesday, January 28, to Thursday, January 29.
The final events will take place on Friday, January 30, with a grand funeral service and interment in his hometown of Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area.
“We appreciate all Bayelsans for standing by this government during these trying times,” Diri said.
“We invite everyone to participate in the various events as we give our brother and leader a befitting farewell.”
Despite the sombre atmosphere, the SEC meeting also served as a moment to recognise the governor’s administrative strides.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Ebieri Jones, presented the governor with two prestigious awards.
The first was from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in recognition of his sponsorship of the association’s Annual General Meeting in Bayelsa.
The second was an award from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), which honoured him for his “exceptional leadership” in fiscal management.
The 179th SEC meeting was the first major council gathering following the initial state mourning period.
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Diri took the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Bayelsans, noting that the late Ewhrudjakpo’s legacy of hard work remains a guiding light for the cabinet.
The governor urged residents to remain prayerful and united as the state prepares to host dignitaries from across Nigeria for the funeral rites in Sagbama.
Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at the age of 60.
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