The National Assembly was plunged into grief on Wednesday following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.
Amid earlier rumours suggesting he died overseas, the family issued a formal statement clarifying that the senator passed away at a private hospital in Lagos at about 11:07 pm on Tuesday after a brief illness.
The statement, signed by his son, Jideofor Ezea, read:
“With profound grief, the family of Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, announces his passing.”
Until his death, Ezea was widely regarded as one of the most outspoken lawmakers from the South-East and a strong voice in the Red Chamber.
At the start of the 10th Senate, he chaired the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, and later served as Vice Chairman of three major committees: Housing and Urban Development, Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and Culture and Creative Economy.
His legislative career, the family noted, was defined by purposeful contributions.
He sponsored the bill establishing the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and championed the bill for the creation of Adada State.
He also moved significant motions, including the call for a military base in Uzo-Uwani, Enugu State, to curb ongoing herdsmen attacks.
Ezea’s political journey spanned nearly 20 years.
Before winning the Enugu North Senate seat in 2023 under the Labour Party, he was a founding member of the APC in Enugu and contested the governorship three times — in 2007 and 2011 under Labour Party, and again in 2015 under the APC.
His 2023 victory, in which he defeated an incumbent governor, was widely hailed as a turning point in his career.
Outside elective office, he served as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State.
The family highlighted his unwavering political loyalty, recalling that he remained the only federal lawmaker from Enugu elected on the Labour Party platform in 2023, and refused to defect despite intense pressure.
He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children.
“As we mourn this painful loss, we respectfully request prayers for the family during this difficult time,” the statement added.
At the National Assembly, emotions ran high as lawmakers reacted to the news.
Ezea becomes the second serving senator from the South-East to die within two years, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
Tributes poured in from colleagues who remembered him as humble, principled, and spiritually grounded.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu described the news as “a painful blow,” calling Ezea a dear friend whose character was built on brotherhood and mutual respect.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also mourned him, describing him as a “wise and gentle” encourager whose prayers strengthened her during difficult moments.
The Senate is expected to formally acknowledge his death at plenary, where a minute of silence will be observed in his honour.
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