Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District on the Labour Party platform, died early Wednesday at the age of 63, plunging the National Assembly into mourning and prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues across party lines.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who announced the passing on the floor of the upper chamber, described Ezea as “a gentleman par excellence and a dedicated legislator whose contributions will be sorely missed.”
Barau said: “Senator Ezea was a quiet but effective voice for his people. His sudden departure is a painful loss to the Senate, to Enugu State and to Nigeria. On behalf of the Senate, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, the government and people of Enugu State.”
Ezea, a first-term senator elected in 2023 after decades in private legal practice and grassroots politics, reportedly collapsed at his Abuja residence in the early hours of Wednesday. Medical sources confirmed he was pronounced dead on arrival at the National Hospital.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio adjourned plenary in honour of the deceased and directed flags at the National Assembly to fly at half-mast.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah praised Ezea’s “selfless service,” stating: “He was a brilliant mind and a bridge-builder. Enugu has lost a rare gem at a time we needed him most.”
Labour Party national chairman Julius Abure called the death “a devastating blow,” adding: “Senator Ezea embodied the ideals of the new Nigeria we are fighting for. His legacy of integrity will endure.”
Ezea is survived by his wife and four children. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family. The Senate has suspended legislative activities until Monday in observance of the loss.
