Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday led lawmakers, sports stakeholders and other dignitaries to honour the late Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with a sporting tribute at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa.
The event marked the opening of a four-day funeral programme for the late deputy governor, who passed away suddenly on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60.
Activities lined up for the day reflected Ewhrudjakpo’s passion for sports and included a novelty football match between Bayelsa Queens and a selected Bayelsa State All-Stars team, which ended in a goalless draw. Other highlights were athletics displays, a tug-of-war competition involving civil servants, traditional wrestling and para-wrestling bouts.
Governor Diri, accompanied by his wife, Justice Patience Diri, performed the ceremonial kick-off for the football match. Until his death, Ewhrudjakpo supervised the Ministry of Sports, where he was credited with promoting grassroots and professional sports development in the state.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including members of the National Assembly, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and other lawmakers. Also present were former Speakers of the House, Prince Boyelayefa Debekeme and Peremobowei Ebebi, who is also a former deputy governor, as well as other top government officials.
Among the federal legislators in attendance were Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East); members of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw), and Mrs. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass).
Traditional and community leaders also graced the occasion, including the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Daniel Iyama, alongside other senior government functionaries.
Speaking to journalists at the venue, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the funeral committee, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, said the sporting activities were deliberately chosen to commence the funeral rites in recognition of the late deputy governor’s immense contributions to sports development in Bayelsa State.
The funeral programme continues today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with a Day of Tribute at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa. Burial is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, after the conclusion of the four-day funeral events.
