The National Assembly slipped into mourning on Wednesday after Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North, died in a Lagos hospital on Tuesday night following a brief illness.
His family moved quickly to dispel speculation that he died overseas, confirming in a statement signed by his son, Jideofor, that the lawmaker passed away at 11:07 p.m. in a private medical facility.
Ezea, regarded as one of the South-East’s most outspoken senators, held multiple committee roles during the 10th Senate, including Vice Chairman of the Committees on Housing, African Cooperation and NEPAD, and Culture and Creative Economy. He previously chaired the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
The family highlighted his legislative work, noting his bill to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and his advocacy for the creation of Adada State. He also sponsored a motion urging the establishment of a military base in Uzo-Uwani to address persistent security threats.
Ezea’s political trajectory spanned nearly two decades. Before securing the Enugu North seat on the Labour Party platform in 2023—defeating an incumbent governor—he had contested for the governorship three times and was a founding member of the APC in the state. He also chaired the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, during his public service career.
His family described him as unwavering in his political loyalty, stressing that he resisted pressure to defect after emerging as the Labour Party’s only federal lawmaker from Enugu in 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children.
The news of his death triggered emotional reactions across the Senate, making him the second serving South-East senator to die in two years, following the 2024 death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said he was “personally devastated,” describing Ezea as a friend whose counsel and character enriched their work in the Red Chamber.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled him as a calm, prayerful figure whose encouragement supported her through “darkest moments.”
The Senate is expected to formally announce his passing at plenary and observe a minute of silence in his memory.
