Ofoni Stands Still As A Statesman Goes Home
… Community, State And Nation Mourn Late Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo At Funeral Rite
By Our Correspondent – Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was on Friday enveloped in a rare stillness as grief and honour met at the Funeral Mass and interment of His Excellency, Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, whose passing marked the end of an era in the political history of the state.
The people of Ofoni Stands Still As A Statesman Goes Home, as Community, State And Nation Mourn Late Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo At Funeral Rite on Friday 30th January 2026.
From the early hours of the day, the Isoko-speaking agrarian community played host to a convergence of dignitaries drawn from politics, academia, the clergy, traditional institutions and civil society. They joined thousands of mourners—youths, women groups and community elders—who returned home to bid farewell to a son widely regarded as Ofoni’s most illustrious export to public service.
The atmosphere in the community reflected a people in collective mourning. The sudden news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death had earlier sent shockwaves through Ofoni, a town that had long taken pride in his rise to prominence and his steady presence at the highest levels of governance in Bayelsa State.
For Ofoni, the loss was deeply personal. Ewhrudjakpo was not merely a high-ranking government official; he was a symbol of hope and achievement. His emergence as Deputy Governor placed the community firmly on the political map of Nigeria and gave younger generations a tangible example of what education, discipline and commitment to public service could achieve.
As Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo was known for his intellectual depth and policy-driven approach to governance. Colleagues and political associates often described him as calm, analytical and unwavering in his loyalty to the ideals of good governance. His grasp of economic planning and public administration earned him respect beyond Bayelsa State, positioning him as one of the most cerebral figures in the Niger Delta political space.
Community leaders at the funeral recalled his consistent engagement with Ofoni, noting that despite the demands of office, he maintained close ties with his people. “He carried Ofoni in his heart wherever he went,” an elder remarked. “His success was our collective pride.”
The Funeral Mass was marked by solemn hymns, scriptural reflections and moving tributes that spoke to a life devoted to service. Clergy who officiated urged leaders present to draw lessons from Ewhrudjakpo’s humility, sense of duty and unwavering commitment to the common good, describing his life as one anchored on faith, intellect and service to humanity.
As his remains were finally committed to the earth of his ancestral home, emotions overflowed. Tears flowed freely among family members, political associates and ordinary residents who lined the streets in silent tribute. It was a poignant moment that underscored the deep bond between the late statesman and his community.
Though his tenure in office ended abruptly, Ewhrudjakpo’s legacy remains firmly rooted in the institutions he helped to strengthen and the lives he inspired. In Ofoni Federated Community, his name will endure as a reference point for leadership, excellence and service.
As the community gradually resumes its daily rhythms, the memory of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo continues to resonate—etched not only in the history of Bayelsa State, but in the collective consciousness of a people who proudly called him their own.
