Senator Okey Ezea’s family announces his death

By Chinedu Adonu

The family of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, has formally announced his passing.

In a statement titled “Notification of the Death of Senator Okey Ezea,” his son, Jideofor Ezea, said the lawmaker died on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at about 11:07 p.m. in a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

“With profound grief, the family of Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, announces his passing,” he said.

Jideofor added that the late senator is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children.

He highlighted Senator Ezea’s contributions in the National Assembly, noting that he was an “active and influential voice” throughout his time in the 10th Senate. At the start of the legislative session, Ezea chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, before assuming other key roles, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development.

Until his death, he also served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and the Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.

Senator Ezea’s legislative footprint included sponsoring the bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and championing the proposed creation of Adada State—a legacy bill he pursued with unwavering commitment until his health challenges began. He also moved several motions, including one calling for the establishment of a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State to curb persistent attacks by armed herdsmen.

Beyond the National Assembly, Senator Ezea had a significant political and public service career. Before contesting and winning the Enugu North Senate seat in 2023 under the Labour Party, he was a founding member of the APC and played a key role in building the party’s structure in Enugu State in 2013. He contested the governorship three times—twice under the Labour Party in 2007 and 2011, and again in 2015 under the APC. His election to the Senate in 2023, in which he defeated an incumbent governor, was widely regarded as a major political upset.

He also held notable national appointments, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State.

The family noted that Senator Ezea remained steadfast in his political principles, being the only federal lawmaker from Enugu State elected on the Labour Party platform in 2023 who refused to defect to the ruling party, despite pressure.

“As the family mourns this immense loss, we request prayers and support during this difficult time,” the statement added.

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