The senate was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the sudden death of Senator Okey Ezea, the Labour Party (LP) lawmaker for Enugu North Senatorial District, who passed away in Lagos on Tuesday night after a brief illness.
Ezea, an influential voice in the 10th Senate and one of its most visible legislators, died about 11:07pm in a private hospital, according to a statement by his family.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, who described the 62-year-old senator as a principled parliamentarian, a bridge-builder, and a steadfast patriot.
The senate, through its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the incident as a “tragic and painful loss.”
Adaramodu stated that Ezea’s passing had created a deep void in the red chamber.
The statement read, “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.”
Ezea, a lawyer and businessman, was elected in 2023 on the LP platform. He quickly established himself as a respected legislator, serving initially as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
Until his passing, he was Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, as well as Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, described Ezea as a “pan-Nigerian politician” whose contributions to national unity were unmistakable.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau said the senator “would be remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian project through his various interventions within and outside the Senate”.
Barau, who expressed shock at the news, extended condolences to the senator’s wife, Chioma, and their children.
“Senator Okey Ezea was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence, who worked hard to enhance the standard of living of the people of Enugu North and beyond,” he said.
Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, described Ezea’s passing as “a painful blow to the Senate and the nation”.
Kalu, in an emotional condolence message, said he received the news of Ezea’s death with “profound shock and deep sorrow.”
He stated that the late Enugu North senator was more than a colleague, saying he was a brother in whom he found sincerity, loyalty, and spiritual companionship.
Kalu said their bond was strengthened by shared moments of worship at the Senate’s Catholic chapel, where they often prayed and reflected together.
Kalu stated, “Those quiet moments of prayer remain etched in my heart. Ezea is a man defined by humility, integrity, and unwavering faith.”
He extended condolences to President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, acknowledging that the red chamber had lost a courageous and principled voice.
Kalu also sympathised with Governor Peter Mbah, the people of Enugu State, and, particularly, the Nsukka community, stressing that Ezea served them with pride and unbroken commitment to their wellbeing.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), in her tribute, described Ezea as “wise, gentle, and prayerful,” recalling how his spiritual encouragement sustained her through difficult times.
“Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments, and I will miss you in chambers,” she said.
Beyond the National Assembly, Ezea held notable public service roles, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.
Sunday Aborisade
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