According to those close to him, Ezea had long battled diabetes and had recently returned from the UK for further treatment in Lagos. Doctors reportedly amputated one of his legs in an attempt to stabilise his condition. The procedure was followed by a skin graft, but he sadly did not survive the complications that followed.

“He had been fighting the illness for some time,” a family source said. “The doctors were carrying out a graft on the amputated leg when he passed.”

News of his death has thrown the Senate into mourning, with colleagues sharing emotional tributes. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were among the first to express their grief, describing Ezea’s death as a painful loss.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a heartfelt message posted on Facebook, remembered him as a wise and gentle man whose prayers supported her during her most difficult times. She wrote:

“Rest in peace, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea. You were a good man, wise and gentle. Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments.”

Born on August 11, 1963, Ezea hailed from a respected family in Igbo-Eze South, Enugu State. His political journey was long and eventful. He co-founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu in 2013 and contested for governor under the party in 2015.

In 2018, he became chairman of the governing board of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, serving until 2022 when he resigned to join the Labour Party. His move paid off  he secured the party’s senatorial ticket and was elected to represent Enugu North on February 25, 2023.

Senator Ezea’s passing leaves a notable void in the Senate and in the political landscape of Enugu State. Tributes continue to pour in as his colleagues, constituents, and supporters mourn a respected voice in national politics.