The family of Senator Okey Ezea, the legislator who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, has announced his death, marking the end of a significant chapter in Enugu’s contemporary political history.

In a statement released by his son, Jideofor Ezea, the family disclosed that the senator passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at approximately 11:07 p.m. in a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea,” the family wrote, describing his death as a profound personal and public loss. He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and their four children.

A Lawmaker Deeply Engaged in Legislative Duties

During his years in the Senate, Ezea distinguished himself through active involvement in committee work and national policymaking.

He initially chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, and later served as Vice Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development and the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD.

He also held the role of Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.

His legislative track record featured several impactful initiatives, including sponsoring the bill to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and advocating for a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in response to repeated attacks by armed herdsmen.

A Political Journey Marked by Resilience

Outside the chambers of the National Assembly, Senator Ezea’s political career spanned nearly two decades.

A founding figure in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State in 2013, he was instrumental in shaping the party’s early structure.

Ezea ran for governor of Enugu State three times — twice under the Labour Party in 2007 and 2011, and again under the APC in 2015.

His victory in the 2023 senatorial election, where he defeated an incumbent governor as a Labour Party candidate, was hailed as one of the state’s most surprising political outcomes in recent years.

He also served as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, in Taraba State, further extending his footprint in national public service.

A Politician Who Stood Firm

Despite the wave of defections that swept through the Enugu political landscape after the 2023 elections, the family emphasised that Senator Ezea remained unwavering in his loyalty to the Labour Party.

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“He stood by the mandate he was given and never abandoned his political convictions,” the statement reiterated.

As the family begins preparations for burial arrangements, they are calling for prayers, support, and privacy during their time of mourning.