Enugu senator Okey Ezea dies at 62

Okey Ezea, senator representing Enugu north in Enugu state, has died at the age of 62.

A statement by his son, Jideofor Ezea, said the lawmaker died at a private hospital in Lagos at about 11:07 pm on November 18 after a brief illness.

Ezea served as chairman of the senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions at the start of the legislative session.

The lawmaker later held other roles, including vice-chairman of the senate committee on housing and urban development.

Ezea was, until his death, the vice-chairman of the senate committee on cooperation and integration in Africa and NEPAD, and the senate committee on culture and creative economy.

He sponsored the bill to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and led the push for the creation of Adada state, a bill he championed until his illness.

The lawmaker also moved several motions, including the call for a military base in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu state to curb recurring attacks by armed herders.

Ezea was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu before he contested and won the senate seat on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023.

He ran for governor of Enugu in 2007 under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and again in 2015 under the APC.

The late senator also served as chairman of the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, Taraba state.

He is survived by his wife, Chiamaka, and four children.

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, described Ezea as a pan-Nigerian politician.

In a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, his special adviser on media and publicity, Barau said the lawmaker contributed to unity and national progress.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of my friend, his wife, Madam Chioma, his children, the entire people of Enugu North senatorial district and Enugu state in general,” he said.

“May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Senator Okey Ezea was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence, who worked hard to enhance the standard of living of the people of Enugu North senatorial district and beyond.”

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, described Ezea as “good man” who offered her guidance during difficult moments in the senate.

“Rest in peace, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea. You were a good man — wise and gentle. Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments, and I will miss you in chambers,” she wrote on Facebook.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said Ezea was respected across party and ethnic divides for his calm disposition and principled leadership.

She said the late lawmaker was known for his advocacy for equity and his commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and the national assembly.