The Senate was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District and reportedly passed away in the United Kingdom while undergoing medical treatment.
Ezea, elected on the Labour Party platform, was the only LP senator from Enugu State in the 10th National Assembly. His passing marks the second time in two years that the South-East has lost a serving senator, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra State in London in July 2024 at age 52.
As news of Ezea’s death reached the National Assembly, lawmakers paid emotional tributes, describing him as humble, principled, and deeply prayerful—qualities they said would be sorely missed.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) said he received the news “with profound shock and deep sorrow,” calling Ezea “my dear brother and colleague.”
“His death is a painful blow that has left me personally devastated,” Kalu said. “He was more than a fellow legislator. He was a friend built on mutual respect, brotherhood, and genuine affection.”
Kalu also reflected on the bond they shared through their Catholic faith and moments of worship. He extended condolences to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the people of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah, the Nsukka community, and Ezea’s family, noting that “the Senate has lost a principled voice.”
Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) described Ezea as a comforting and wise colleague whose prayers helped her through difficult periods.
“You were a good man! Wise and gentle,” she wrote. “Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments, and I will miss you in chambers.”
She added that both Kogi Central and Enugu North honoured the late senator and joined in mourning his passing.
The Senate is expected to formally address Ezea’s death at plenary, with a minute of silence likely to be observed in line with legislative tradition.
