The remains of late Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the Senate, were on Friday buried in his country home, Itchi, in the Igboeze-South Local Government Area of Enugu State amid tears and tributes.

Mr Ezea was elected a senator during the 2023 general elections under the platform of the Labour Party.

He was born on August 11, 1963 but died after a brief illness on November 18, 2025 at 62.

In a sermon during the funeral service, Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, described late Ezea as an “activist for Nsukka people,” who according to him, stood firm by his convictions and interests for his people.

Mr Onah urged the people to get prepared at all times to meet the Lord whenever He calls, saying that death was inevitable and everyone would face judgement after death.

He said, “Okey Ezea was an activist for Nsukka people, he was a passionate advocate for the political rights, economic and social justice of the people of Enugu North Senatorial District. He was a beacon of courage who stood in his convictions no matter whose ‘Ox is gored.’

“Ezea loved Nsukka people and would always insist on the right of his people even in the face of attack, insult and humiliation. As we all are gathered here today to bid him farewell, it is important that we all prepare ourselves at all time because death is inevitable.”

Speaking at the event, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described the late Ezea as a “forthright, uncompromising and dedicated politician” not only to the people of Enugu North Senatorial District but to Enugu State and entire country.

“The huge number of people here present from different walks of life is a testament that the late senator lived a good life and related to people cordially.

“Ezea will be remembered for his forthright, uncompromising, belief for justice and effectively representation of his people,” Mr Mbah said.

The governor commended the burial committee led by Senator Victor Umeh who did a wonderful preparations that made it possible for all that were required to be in place for the burial.

He expressed the deepest condolences of Enugu State Government to the family of the late Ezea and reminded the family members that they were not alone as the state government was behind the family.

“To the family, I tell you, you are not alone, Enugu State stands behind you,” Mr Mbah said.

In a remark, the first son of the late senator, Jideofor Ezea, commended Mr Mbah for his support to the family to ensure that his father was given a state burial.

He also expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church, Mr Umeh-led national burial committee as well as all who contributed in one way or the other to ensure his father was given a befitting burial.

Mr Jideofor promised to emulate his father’s good life by following his enviable legacies.

Earlier, Mr Umeh said the late senator was a good man that lived and died for his people.

He said by Mr Ezea’s death, Nsukka people and Ndigbo had lost a great man.

“We lost somebody who will be difficult to replace in Nsukka and Igboland,” he said.

According to him, what brought them together was their resolve to fight for the common good of the Igbo people.

“What brought us together is our common resolve to fight for the common good of Ndi-Igbo,” he said.

The chairman of the burial committee commended the Enugu State Government, the Senate, Catholic Church, members of the committee and all who worked in various capacities to ensure that the burial programmes went as planned.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District, and a ormer presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi,  were among dignitaries present during the burial. 

(NAN)