by George Ozalla
Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District on the Labour Party platform, has died in Lagos. He passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at approximately 11:07 p.m. following a brief illness, the family confirmed.
His death prompted widespread mourning across the political spectrum. Labour Party leaders described him as a principled and dedicated politician, while Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State called his passing a significant loss to the state and praised his resilience and commitment to his constituents. Colleagues in the Senate also paid tribute, recalling his active role in legislative duties and his contributions to national discourse.
Senator Ezea’s political career spanned decades. He was a lawyer and businessman before entering full-time politics. He contested the Enugu State governorship several times under different party banners before winning his Senate seat in 2023 on the Labour Party ticket. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and Vice Chairman on the Committees for Housing and Urban Development; Cooperation and Integration in Africa & NEPAD; and Culture & Creative Economy. He also sponsored legislation establishing the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and advocated for the creation of Adada State.
Senator Ezea is survived by his wife and four children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Okey Ezea was born on August 11, 1963, in Enugu State. He built his career as a lawyer and businessman before entering politics. He was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu and later returned to the Labour Party, securing his Senate seat in 2023. Known for his accessibility, principled leadership, and commitment to his constituents, Ezea played active roles in several Senate committees and was recognized for his legislative contributions to education, agriculture, and regional development.
