[1] The office was established on October 1, 1996, following the creation of Bayelsa State from Rivers State during the regime of General Sani Abacha.

The Deputy Governor is elected alongside the Governor on a joint ticket by popular vote and serves a four-year term, renewable once for a maximum of eight years.

The current Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, assumed office on February 14, 2020, serving under Governor Douye Diri.

Peremobowei Ebebi[2] was the first Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State to be impeached by the State House of Assembly during the administration of Governor Timipre Sylva.

As outlined in Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), an individual is eligible to serve as governor (or deputy governor) of Bayelsa State if they meet the following criteria:[3] The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria outlines the key functions of the Deputy Governor,[4] which include: