Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North in Nigeria’s 10th Senate, passed away on the night of November 18, 2025, at around 11:07 p.m. in a private hospital in Lagos, following a brief illness, according to a statement released by his family. His son, Jideofor Ezea, made the announcement, expressing the family’s profound grief and requesting prayers and support from the public. He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and their four children. 

During his time in the Senate, Ezea held several significant committee positions. At the beginning of the 10th Senate, he was Chairman of the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee, later becoming Vice Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development and the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa (NEPAD), as well as the Committee on Culture and Creative Economy. He was also known for sponsoring key legislation, including a bill to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and a long-standing effort to create a new “Adada State.”  Among his motions was a call for a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, intended to address recurring security challenges. 

In the wake of his death, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. The Senate publicly expressed its sorrow, highlighting his dedication, humility, and influential voice. The Labour Party described him as “one of our finest” and noted that he remained loyal to the party, even when others defected.  Colleagues, including the Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, praised his principled leadership, citizenship, and the impact of his service on behalf of his constituents.