The Nigerian 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 receiving medical treatment.
Ezea, elected on the Labour Party (LP) platform, was the only LP member from Enugu State in the 10th National Assembly. His passing marks the second serving senator from the South-East to die within two years, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra State in London in July 2024.
As news of his death reached the National Assembly, colleagues paid tributes, describing him as a humble, principled, and prayerful parliamentarian whose loss leaves a deep void in the chamber.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, expressed his grief, calling Ezea “my dear brother and colleague” and recalling their shared Catholic faith and personal bond. “His death is a painful blow that has left me personally devastated. The Senate has lost a principled voice, one who contributed with clarity, courage, and unshakable conviction,” Kalu said.
He extended condolences to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the people of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah, the Nsukka community, and the deceased’s family.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central described Ezea as a gentle and wise colleague whose prayers and encouragement sustained her during challenging times. “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.
The Senate is expected to formally honour Senator Ezea at plenary, with a minute of silence likely to be observed in accordance with legislative tradition.
