The Nigerian political landscape was thrown into mourning on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, following the tragic death of Senator Okey Ezea, the Labour Party lawmaker representing Enugu North senatorial district.
A Devastating Loss for Labour Party
Senator Ezea, who was 62 years old, breathed his last at a private hospital in Lagos state while receiving medical treatment. The confirmation came through an official statement released by his first son, Jideofor Ezea, on behalf of the grieving family.
The senator passed away at approximately 11:07 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, after battling a brief illness, according to the family announcement that sent shockwaves through political circles across Nigeria.
Peter Obi's Heartfelt Tribute
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election and close associate of the deceased, described the news as one of the most devastating pieces of information he had ever received. In an emotional statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi poured out his grief while celebrating the life of his departed friend.
"I have just received one of the most devastating pieces of news of my life: the death of someone I truly considered a very dear brother, a confidant, and a politician of commitment and character — Sen. Okey Ezea," Obi wrote in his heartfelt tribute.
The former presidential candidate went on to describe Senator Ezea as "a man of remarkable integrity" who never betrayed friendship and demonstrated deep compassion for his constituents. He emphasized that the late lawmaker's presence inspired confidence and his counsel was always wise and measured.
Senator Ezea's Political Legacy
Until his untimely death, Senator Okey Ezea held the distinction of being the only federal lawmaker from Enugu state elected on the Labour Party platform during the 2023 elections. His political journey was marked by dedicated service and various leadership roles within the National Assembly.
At the beginning of the legislative session, Ezea served as chairman of the senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions. He later took on additional responsibilities, including vice-chairman of the senate committee on housing and urban development.
At the time of his passing, the senator was actively serving as vice-chairman of both the senate committee on cooperation and integration in Africa and NEPAD, and the senate committee on culture and creative economy.
National Mourning and Tributes
The death of Senator Ezea has plunged the National Assembly into mourning, with colleagues across party lines expected to pay their respects to the departed lawmaker. His constituents in Enugu North have also begun expressing their grief over losing their representative who had shown genuine concern for their welfare.
Peter Obi, in his tribute, highlighted how the late senator would consistently remind those around him about the need to prioritize the interests of the people they served. "His passing leaves a huge personal void that cannot easily be filled," Obi lamented, underscoring the profound impact of Ezea's death on both personal and political fronts.
This tragic event marks another significant loss for Nigerian politics, coming at a time when the country continues to navigate complex political landscapes and governance challenges.
