Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, has died. He passed away at about 11:07 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness, his family announced.
Until his death, Senator Ezea remained an active and influential figure in the National Assembly. At the start of the 10th Senate, he served as Chairman of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, before taking up other strategic assignments. He later became Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development.
At the time of his passing, he held dual positions as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, as well as the Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.
Senator Ezea was widely regarded for his purposeful legislative contributions. He sponsored the bill to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and championed the bill seeking the creation of Adada State—a cause he pursued passionately until his final days. He also moved critical motions, including one calling for the establishment of a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State to curb recurring herdsmen attacks.
Before winning the Enugu North Senate seat in 2023 under the Labour Party, Ezea had a long political career. He was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State and contested the governorship three times—first in 2007 and 2011 under the Labour Party, and again in 2015 under the APC. His 2023 Senate victory, in which he defeated an incumbent governor, was considered a major political milestone.
Outside elective office, he held several national appointments, including serving as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State. Notably, Senator Ezea remained the only Labour Party federal lawmaker from Enugu State elected in 2023 who refused to defect to the ruling party, maintaining his political loyalty despite intense pressure.
He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children.
The family has requested prayers and support as they mourn the loss.
The statement was signed by his son, Jideofor Ezea, on behalf of the family.
