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From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The remains of the late Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate until his passing on November 18, 2025, were on Friday buried amidst an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes.
Ezea was elected a senator during the 2023 general elections on the platform of the Labour Party.
He was born on August 11, 1963, and died after a brief illness on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.
Family members, political associates, religious leaders and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased senator, whose death has continued to attract widespread mourning across the state and beyond.
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 his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate; Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election; Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Ezea National Burial Committee; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District; and the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Uche Ugwu, were among the dignitaries who paid tribute to the late senator on Friday.
The funeral service was held at Ezea’s compound in Itchi, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Mr Yunusa Tanko, national leader of the Obidient Movement; Chief Chidi Obetta, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency; Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye; among many others.
In a remark, Governor 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.”
The governor commended the burial committee led by Senator Victor Umeh, who he said made wonderful preparations that ensured all that was required was in place.
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He expressed the deepest condolences of the 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 them.
“To the family, I tell you, you are not alone; Enugu State stands behind you,” Mbah said.
In a sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Godfrey Onah, described Senator Ezea as an “activist for Nsukka people”, who, according to him, stood firm by his convictions and interest in his people, and never compromised on matters that had to do with their good.
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, and to 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, and 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 were 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 bid him farewell, it is important that we all prepare ourselves at all times, because death is something that must happen to everyone. You will face judgment to give account of your life on earth,” he said.
Earlier, Senator Umeh said his late colleague was a good man who lived and died for his people and described his death as a great loss to the Nsukka people and Ndigbo.
“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.
The chairman of the burial committee commended the Enugu State government, the Senate, the Catholic Church and members of the committee who worked in various capacities to ensure that the burial programmes went as planned.
Also in a remark, the first son of the late senator, Jideofor, commended Governor Mbah for his support to the family to ensure that the burial was successful, as well as the Senator Umeh-led National Burial Committee for what he described as a wonderful job.
