Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District, has died.

He was aged 62.

A son of the late lawmaker, Jideofor Ezea, confirmed the demise of the senator in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

According Mr Jideofor, the lawmaker died at a private hospital in Lagos at about 11:07 pm on Tuesday, November 18, after a brief illness.

Mr Jideofor in the statement said, “With profound grief, the family of Distinguished Sen Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, announces his passing. The senator died at a private hospital in Lagos at about 11:07 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 18 after a brief illness. Until his demise, sen Ezea remained an active and influential voice in the 10th Senate.

“The late senator at the commencement of the legislative session, served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

” He was also the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development.

“He was also the Vice Chairman of Senate Committees on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy.”

Mr jideofor said the senators’ legislative record was defined by purposeful and impactful contributions, having sponsored bill to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani.

According to him, the lawmaker also championed the bill for the creation of Adada State, a legacy bill he pursued with unwavering commitment until his illness.

He said the late senator also moved several motions, notably the motion calling for the establishment of a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State to curb persistent attacks and killings by rampaging herdsmen.

“Before contesting and winning the Enugu North Senate seat in 2023 under the Labour Party. Senator Ezea had been a founding member of the APC and played a pivotal role in building the party’s foundation in Enugu State in 2013.

“He was a three-time governorship contender, first in 2007 and 2011 under the Labour Party, and in 2015 under the APC. His victory in 2023 where he defeated an incumbent governor to win the senate, was a defining milestone in his political journey.

“Beyond elective politics, the he held notable national appointments, including Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State.”The late senator is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children. As we mourn this painful loss, we respectfully request prayers for the family during this difficult time” 

(NAN)