The Senate was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District until his passing in the United Kingdom, where he was undergoing medical treatment.
Senator Ezea, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, was the only LP senator from Enugu State in the 10th National Assembly.
His death makes him the second serving senator from the South-East to die within two years, following the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra State, who died in London in July 2024.
As news of Ezea’s death reached the chamber, senators expressed deep sorrow, describing him as a calm, disciplined and prayerful parliamentarian whose contributions would be sorely missed.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) said he received the news “with profound shock and deep sorrow,” adding that the late senator was “my dear brother and colleague.”
He wrote, “His death is a painful blow that has left me personally devastated. Senator Ezea was more than a fellow legislator. He was a friend with whom I shared a close and sincere bond. Our friendship was built on mutual respect, brotherhood, and genuine affection.”
Kalu also recalled their shared Catholic faith and moments of worship, extending condolences to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Peter Mbah, the Nsukka community, and the late senator’s family.
Also mourning the lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) described him as a gentle and wise colleague who supported her during difficult moments.
“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 said, adding that both Kogi Central and Enugu North “honour and mourn a distinguished senator.”
