By: Aremu Toyeebaht
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed Peter Akpe as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, officially filling the vacancy created by the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Akpe’s confirmation followed his nomination by Governor Douye Diri and was announced on Tuesday, signaling the restoration of full executive leadership in the state. The deputy governorship seat became vacant after Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death in December 2025.
Until his elevation, Akpe served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa. A seasoned public administrator, he previously represented his constituency for two terms in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and rose through the civil service to attain the rank of Director. He also held strategic roles at Government House, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff.
Ewhrudjakpo’s passing triggered an outpouring of tributes across Bayelsa, with the state government describing the development as one received with “deep regret and profound shock.”
Providing details of the incident, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said:
“The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.”
Governor Diri subsequently declared a three-day mourning period, directing that flags be flown at half-mast across the state. He described the loss as “a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” and ordered an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.
