The National Assembly has been thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, the federal lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District. The 62-year-old politician passed away on Tuesday night, November 19, 2024, in the United Kingdom where he was receiving medical care.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District confirmed the tragic news on Wednesday morning through her official Facebook page. She described the deceased lawmaker as a humble and supportive colleague whose loss has created a significant void in the Senate chambers.
“You were a good man, wise and gentle. Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments and I will miss you in chambers,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote in her tribute.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, also expressed profound shock over the demise of his colleague. Kalu described Senator Ezea as more than a fellow legislator, noting that they shared a close friendship built on mutual respect and brotherhood.
The late Senator Ezea was elected on the Labour Party platform and remained the sole LP member in the National Assembly from Enugu State after other lawmakers from the state defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Reports indicate that Senator Ezea had previously sought medical treatment in Germany before traveling to the United Kingdom for further care. The specific ailment that led to his hospitalization has not been publicly disclosed by his family.
Chief Nkem Ossai, an elder statesman close to the late senator, noted that his death has plunged Nsukka and the entire Enugu North zone into mourning. The community had celebrated just three months ago when Senator Ezea recovered from a partial stroke, making his sudden passing even more shocking to constituents.
Born on August 11, 1963, the late Senator Ezea was a lawyer and businessman before venturing into politics. His death marks him as the second serving senator from the South-East region to die within two years, following Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra State who passed away in London in July 2024.
The Senate is expected to formally honor Senator Ezea with a minute of silence during plenary in accordance with legislative tradition.