A Legacy of Steady Leadership: Dame Julie Okah-Donli Mourns the Passing of Bayelsa's Deputy Governor

A Legacy of Steady Leadership: Dame Julie Okah-Donli Mourns the Passing of Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor

This condolence message frames the sudden death of Bayelsa's Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a significant loss to both state governance and Nigeria's broader democratic stability. Dame Julie Okah-Donli elevates the tribute by characterizing him not merely as an official, but as an indispensable "steady hand" and a unifying patriot whose reasoned leadership created indelible value. The core insight is that such a loss represents a profound setback, underscoring how individual leaders can become critical pillars of

Aluta News 11 hours ago 3 minutes read

By Victor Okaye

Abuja, Dec. 15, 2025 (NAN) – The sudden passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, drawing profound sorrow from national figures. Among them, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, a former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and a respected voice on governance and social justice, has expressed deep grief, framing the loss as a devastating blow to both the state and the nation’s democratic fabric.

In a heartfelt condolence message issued on Monday, Okah-Donli extended her solidarity to the grieving populace and the government of Bayelsa State. Her words transcended the formalities often associated with such statements, offering a personal and reflective tribute.

“On behalf of the Okah-Donli family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Deputy Governor, the Government of Bayelsa State, and all Bayelsans mourning this painful loss,” she said.

Okah-Donli’s eulogy painted a portrait of a leader defined by substance over spectacle. She remembered Ewhrudjakpo not merely as a public office holder, but as “a calm, dignified, and committed leader whose contributions to governance and public service will remain indelible.” She elaborated on this characterization, noting, “He was more than a public office holder. He was a steady hand in leadership, a voice of reason in moments of challenge, and a patriot deeply committed to the unity and progress of his people.”

This description highlights a critical, often undervalued, aspect of effective governance: the role of the stabilizer. In Nigeria’s vibrant and sometimes tumultuous political arena, figures who provide consistency, mediate conflict, and prioritize long-term development over short-term political gains are invaluable. Okah-Donli’s tribute suggests Ewhrudjakpo embodied these qualities, serving as a crucial counterbalance and a unifying force within the state’s administration. His passing, therefore, creates a vacuum that extends beyond a single office.

Okah-Donli underscored this broader implication, stating that the deputy governor’s death “represents a major setback not only for Bayelsa, but also for Nigeria’s democratic process.” This observation speaks to the foundational importance of experienced, principled individuals in strengthening institutions. When such leaders are lost, institutional memory and operational continuity suffer, potentially impacting policy implementation and political stability.

The tribute concluded with prayers for divine comfort and strength for the family, the state government, and the people of Bayelsa. As the state and nation mourn, reflections like Okah-Donli’s serve to contextualize the loss, reminding the public that the true measure of a leader is found in their character, their quiet dedication, and their role as a pillar of stability in service to the people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

VO/TAK

Edited by Tosin Kolade