by George Ozalla
The President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, on Tuesday led a large delegation of lawmakers to the Abuja residence of the family of the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, where they offered prayers, sympathy, and institutional support to the bereaved household. The 10th Senate had earlier adjourned plenary to enable members participate fully in the condolence visit.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Akpabio said the Senate came as one family to stand with the Ezeas at a difficult moment, adding that the late lawmaker’s calm disposition and bridge-building character left a lasting impact on colleagues. He noted that the chamber received the news of his passing with deep shock, describing Ezea as a gentleman legislator whose contributions were felt both in plenary and at committee level.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, also addressed the family and affirmed that the late Senator Ezea distinguished himself in service and maintained cordial relationships across party lines. He assured the family that the Senate would fully participate in all official rites agreed upon with them.
The delegation included Senate Minority Leader Osita Ngwu; Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North); Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North); Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West); Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South); Senator Mohammed Onawo (Nasarawa South); Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central); Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT); Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South); Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East); Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West); Senator Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South); Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central); and several other members of the 10th Senate who joined the convoy from the National Assembly.
Members of the delegation interacted with the late senator’s widow and children, offering them words of comfort. Jideofor Ezea, who spoke on behalf of the family, thanked the Senate leadership and members for their solidarity, saying the visit brought emotional strength to the household.
A formal Senate valedictory session is expected to be held in honour of the late lawmaker after consultations between the Senate leadership and the family.
Senator Okechukwu Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District, died on 18 November 2025 after a brief illness. A former labour leader and administrator, he was elected to the Senate in 2023 and served as a key member of several committees. Colleagues often described him as a quiet but steady contributor to legislative deliberations, respected for his humility, accessibility, and disciplined approach to public service.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
