Senate Mourns: Enugu North Senator Okey Ezea Dies at 62

The Senate and the political class in Nigeria have been thrown into mourning following the passing of Senator Okey Ezea (Labour Party, LP), who represented the Enugu North Senatorial District. Senator Ezea died at the age of 62 on Tuesday night, November 18, in a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

The news was confirmed by his son, Jideofor Ezea, who requested prayers for the family during this difficult time.

Senator Ezea, popularly known as ‘Ideke,’ was a prominent figure in the 10th Senate, having defeated former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the 2023 senatorial election. Until his death, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa (NEPAD) and the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.

He was highly regarded for his commitment to the welfare of his constituents and for championing the bill for the creation of Adada State. He was noted for remaining a steadfast member of the Labour Party.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues across the political spectrum, who remember him as a principled, gentle, and dedicated parliamentarian.

He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children. The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements shortly.