The Senate was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District. Ezea reportedly passed away in the United Kingdom while undergoing medical treatment.
Ezea, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, was the only LP senator from Enugu State in the 10th National Assembly. His passing makes him the second serving senator from the South-East to die in two years, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra State in London in July 2024.
As news of his death filtered into the National Assembly, lawmakers paid glowing tributes, describing him as humble, principled, and prayerful.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North said he received the news with “profound shock and deep sorrow,” noting that Ezea was not just a colleague but a friend bound by “mutual respect, brotherhood, and sincere affection.”
Kalu also highlighted their shared Catholic faith, recalling moments they worshipped together. He extended condolences to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the Nsukka community, and Ezea’s family.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central described the late lawmaker as “a wise and gentle man” whose prayers encouraged her during challenging moments. “Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments, and I will miss you in chambers,” she said.
The Senate is expected to formally announce his passing at plenary, with a minute of silence likely to be observed in his honour, in line with parliamentary tradition.
