Senator Okey Ezea, Enugu Lawmaker Who Stood Firm Against Party Defection, Dies at 62
This report is based on information originally published by Gistmania.
ENUGU – Senator Okey Ezea, the federal lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District, has passed away at age 62 after a brief illness, his family confirmed Wednesday.
The Labour Party senator died Tuesday evening at approximately 11:07 p.m. in a private hospital in Lagos State, according to a statement released by his first son, Jideofor Ezea, on behalf of the grieving family.
A Political Stalwart’s Final Stand
Senator Ezea’s passing marks the loss of what political analysts are calling a “principle-driven lawmaker” in Nigeria’s 10th Senate. His son’s statement highlighted a significant political stance that defined his final year in office: “Until his passing, he remained the only federal lawmaker from Enugu State elected on the Labour Party platform in 2023 who, on principle, refused to defect to the ruling party.”
This refusal to cross-carpet placed Senator Ezea in a unique political position amid widespread defections that have characterized Nigerian politics. His stance demonstrated a commitment to the party platform that sponsored his election, bucking a trend that has seen numerous opposition lawmakers switch allegiance to the ruling party.
From Business to Political Service
Born on August 11, 1963, in Itchi, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Senator Ezea’s political journey spanned nearly two decades. He first entered the political arena in 2007 with an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid in Enugu State under the Labour Party banner.
His political career saw him navigate different party platforms while maintaining his Enugu North base. In 2015, he contested again for the state’s governorship, this time under the All Progressives Congress (APC), though unsuccessfully.
Between 2018 and 2022, Senator Ezea served as Chairperson of the Governing Board for Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, Taraba State, an appointment made by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. He resigned from this position in 2022 to rejoin the Labour Party and contest the senatorial election that would become his political triumph.
Electoral Victory Against the Odds
Senator Ezea’s 2023 electoral victory was particularly notable for defeating the then-sitting Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in the Enugu North Senatorial District race. This upset victory demonstrated his significant political capital and grassroots support in his constituency.
His election to the Senate marked the culmination of a political journey that began 16 years earlier with his first gubernatorial attempt. In his relatively brief Senate tenure, Senator Ezea had established himself as a representative who prioritized constituency service over political convenience.
Legacy of Principle and Service
The late senator’s family has appealed for prayers and support during what they describe as “this difficult time.” His passing creates a vacancy in the Senate that will need to be filled according to Nigeria’s electoral laws, with implications for both the Labour Party’s representation and the political balance in Enugu State.
Senator Ezea’s death represents not just the loss of a lawmaker, but the passing of a politician who maintained his principles in an era of frequent political realignments. His career trajectory—from business to repeated electoral contests to eventual Senate victory—exemplifies the persistence often required in Nigerian politics.
As arrangements are made for his final rites, political observers and constituents alike will remember Senator Okey Ezea for his steadfast commitment to the platform that brought him to office and his dedication to representing the people of Enugu North Senatorial District.