What late Senator Okey Ezea meant to National Assembly - Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Godwill Akpabio has said that the late Senator Okey Ezea who represented Enugu North Senatorial district was one of the integrity pillars that the National Assembly depended on.

Senator Akpabio spoke, on Friday, at Itchi in Igboeze South Local Government area of Enugu State during the burial of Senator Ezea who died on November 18 2025.

Reminiscing on the life and times of Senator Ezea, Akpabio said that Senator Ezea was a dependable colleague whose life was cut short at the zenith of his political career.

Speaking to the family of the departed colleague, Akpabio said, "I will continue to identify with you, and we watch your progress. Your father has transited now to the spiritual realm, and he will be watching you from there. Our prayer is that all the good things he planned to do which he did not accomplish, and that you all will do it for him and for the community in Jesus name.

"More great men will be raised from here to develop not just in Nsukka community, but the whole of Nigeria. Senator Ezea is a man of honor who has contributed to Nigeria progress and who unfortunately pass on at a time we're not expecting, but God will give the family longevity. God will give you long life, and God will also give you your time to be honored," Akpabio prayed.

Many leaders across Nigeria paid tribute to the late senator, lauding his doggedness, love for his people and principled leadership. 

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Mr. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election; Senator Victor Umeh, who was the Chairman of the Ezea National Burial Committee, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe of Abia South Senatorial District, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, were among the dignitaries who paid tribute to the late Senator.

Other dignitaries in attendance were Mr Yunusa Tanko, the National leader of the Obidient Movement, Chief Chidi Obetta, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye; among many others.

Gov. Mbah described Ezea as a forthright, uncompromising and dedicated politician not only to the people of Enugu North Senatorial District but to Enugu State and the 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 in justice and for his effective representation of his people," Gov Mbah said.

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

In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Prof Godfrey Onah described Senator Ezea as an "activist for Nsukka people," who according to him stood firm by his convictions and interests for his people, and never compromised on things that have to do with the good of his people.

He also described the senator’s passing as a reminder of the transient nature of life, urging leaders and citizens alike to live exemplary lives that would be remembered positively, as well as be prepared at all times to meet the Lord whenever He calls, saying that death is inevitable and everyone shall face judgment after death.

"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 for his convictions and his interests are clear, he was always after the share of Nsukka people and he 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 bide him farewell, it is important that we all prepare ourselves at all times because death is something that must happen to 0you will face judgement to give account of your life on earth," Bishop Onah said.