Senator Okey Ezea of Enugu North Reportedly Dies in UK, Colleagues Mourn Loss of Resilient Leader.
Senator Okey Ezea, the lawmaker representing the Enugu North senatorial district, has passed away in the United Kingdom following a brief illness. The news of his death on November 19, 2025, has sent shock waves through his constituency and the Nigerian political landscape. Born on August 11, 1963, Okechukwu Ezea was a seasoned politician, lawyer, and businessman. An alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Lagos, he held degrees in political science and law. Before his foray into full-time politics, he retired as a Deputy Superintendent of Customs in 1994 and founded the successful logistics company, Ideke Shipping Limited. Ezea's political journey began in his university days, and he became a significant force in Enugu State politics. He ran for the governorship of Enugu State in 2007 and 2015 under the Labour Party and All Progressives Congress (APC) platforms, respectively, before ultimately securing the Enugu North senatorial seat with the Labour Party in the 2023 elections. His victory in 2023 was a landmark achievement, marking the first time an opposition candidate had defeated the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state since 1999. During his short but impactful tenure in the 10th National Assembly, Senator Ezea championed several motions and bills, focusing on security concerns in his region and the push for the creation of Adada State to ensure equity and balanced representation for the South East. He was known for his dedication to community service, frequently visiting and commiserating with families in his constituency and attracting infrastructure projects like road construction and rural electrification. Tributes have begun pouring in, with colleagues expressing their sorrow. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a fellow lawmaker, reacted to the news with sadness, saying, "I will miss you in chambers". Ezea is remembered as a resilient leader who was a prominent voice for justice and regional equity.
| 2025-11-19 14:47:55