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The Nigerian Senate was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the sudden passing of Senator Okey Ezea, the Labour Party lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District. He died late Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness, leaving colleagues and constituents alike grappling with the shock.
Ezea, 62, was a prominent voice in the 10th Senate, known for his principled approach and commitment to bridging divides within and beyond the chamber. His family confirmed he passed away at 11:07 p.m. in a private hospital, a moment that quickly drew heartfelt tributes from across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu described Ezea’s death as a “tragic and painful loss,” noting the void it leaves in the red chamber. “The Senate shares the grief of this unfortunate demise with his constituents in Enugu North, Enugu State, and Nigerians, most especially his immediate family. We pray that God grants him peaceful rest,” the statement read.
A lawyer and businessman by training, Ezea was elected to the Senate in 2023, quickly carving out a reputation for integrity and dedication. He initially chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, and at the time of his passing served as Vice Chairman of the Committees on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and on Culture and Creative Economy.
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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described him as a pan-Nigerian politician whose commitment to national unity was “unmistakable,” while former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, called his death a “painful blow to the Senate and the nation.” Kalu recalled the quiet moments they shared in the Senate Catholic chapel, where prayer and reflection strengthened both their bond and his admiration for Ezea’s humility and integrity.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remembered Ezea as “wise, gentle, and prayerful,” saying his spiritual counsel had guided her through difficult moments.
Beyond the National Assembly, Ezea’s public service included his tenure as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo. Friends, colleagues, and constituents alike are united in mourning a man whose faith, principle, and devotion to public service left a lasting imprint on Enugu North and the Nigerian Senate at large.
