Enugu Senator Dies in UK, Senate Mourns

The Senate was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented the Enugu North Senatorial District. Ezea reportedly passed away in the United Kingdom, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Ezea, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, was the only LP senator from Enugu State in the 10th National Assembly.

His death marks the second time in two years that the South-East has lost a serving senator, coming after the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra State, who died in London in July 2024 at the age of 52.

As news of Ezea’s passing filtered into the National Assembly, lawmakers paid glowing tributes to a colleague they described as humble, principled, and prayerful — a parliamentarian whose absence leaves a significant void in the Red Chamber.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, said he received the news “with profound shock and deep sorrow,” describing Ezea as “my dear brother and colleague.”

“His death is a painful blow that has left me personally devastated,” Kalu said. “Senator Ezea was more than a fellow legislator. He was a friend with whom I shared a close and sincere bond. Our friendship was built on mutual respect, brotherhood, and genuine affection.”

Kalu also recalled their shared Catholic faith and the moments they spent worshipping together. He extended his condolences to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and to the people of Enugu State, saying, “The Senate has lost a principled voice — one who contributed with clarity, courage, and unshakable conviction.”

He further commiserated with Governor Peter Mbah, the Nsukka community, and the family of the late senator, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the loss.

Also mourning Ezea, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central described him as a gentle and wise colleague whose support helped her navigate difficult periods.

“You were a good man — wise and gentle. Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments, and I will miss you in chambers,” she wrote.

“Enugu North Senatorial District, Kogi Central honours your senator and mourns with you. Rest in peace, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea.”

The Senate is expected to formally address Ezea’s death at plenary, where a minute of silence will likely be observed in his honour, in line with legislative tradition.