The Nigerian political landscape has been struck by tragedy with the passing of Senator Okey Ezea, the distinguished lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District. The 62-year-old senator died in Lagos on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, after battling a brief illness.
Family sources confirmed that Senator Ezea breathed his last at approximately 11:07 PM in a private hospital located in Lagos State. His son, Jideofor Ezea, officially announced the heartbreaking news through a statement released on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Political Stance and Legacy
Until his untimely death, Senator Ezea held the unique distinction of being the only federal lawmaker from Enugu State elected under the Labour Party banner in 2023 who steadfastly refused to defect to the ruling party. Despite mounting pressure, the principled politician remained loyal to the party that sponsored his senatorial bid.
His political journey reached its peak when he achieved a remarkable victory in the 2023 general elections, defeating the then-incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to secure the Enugu North senatorial seat.
Educational Background and Early Career
Born on August 11, 1963, in Itchi, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Okey Ezea built an impressive academic foundation. He received his early education at Community Primary School, Umachi, before proceeding to Nsukka High School for his secondary education.
His tertiary education journey began at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. Demonstrating exceptional academic prowess, he later studied law at the University of Lagos, earning both his LL.B and LL.M degrees. Notably, he emerged as the best graduating student in his master's programme.
At the time of his passing, Senator Ezea was pursuing doctoral studies at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos.
From Civil Service to Business Empire
After completing his National Youth Service Corps programme in September 1987, Ezea joined the Nigerian Customs Service, where he rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Superintendent. He made the strategic decision to voluntarily retire from customs service in 1994 to venture into business.
His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Ideke Shipping Limited, which grew to become a major player in Nigeria's oil and gas logistics sector. The company forged significant partnerships with multinational corporations including Shell, Chevron, Mobil, and NLNG.
His business portfolio expanded to include several other companies: Ideke Engineering Limited, Ideke Overseas Limited, Damik Ventures Limited, and Damik Security Limited.
Political Journey and Public Service
Senator Ezea's political involvement dates back to his university days at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he served in various student union positions including Speaker of the Political Science Students' Parliament and Welfare Officer of the Students' Union Government Executive Committee.
His professional political career commenced in 2007 when he contested for the Enugu State governorship under the Labour Party platform. Though unsuccessful in that bid, he remained politically active and co-founded the All Progressives Congress in Enugu in 2013, becoming its governorship candidate in 2015.
Between 2018 and 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, Taraba State. He returned to the Labour Party in 2022 before his successful senatorial campaign in 2023.
The passing of Senator Okey Ezea marks the end of an era for Nigerian politics, particularly for the Labour Party and the people of Enugu State. His legacy of principle, resilience, and dedication to public service continues to inspire many across the political spectrum.
