Dignitaries Eulogise Late Sen Okey Ezea at Night of Tributes in Enugu
Eminent political leaders, statesmen and stakeholders on Tuesday night gathered in Enugu to pay glowing tributes to the late Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District, describing him as a fearless, principled and people-oriented leader devoted to justice, equity and the emancipation of his people.
Chairman of the occasion and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, said the late senator committed his entire political life to liberating his people from political deprivation, noting that integrity and loyalty defined his public conduct.
According to Nwodo, Senator Ezea was a man who never deliberately breached agreements and whose loyalty to friends and associates was unmatched.
“Okey Ezea was outspoken to a fault. He never suppressed his opinions, no matter the circumstances. He was deeply connected to his people and went round almost every ward in his senatorial district to feel their pulse,” Nwodo said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Senator Victor Umeh, described the deceased as forthright, resolute and unyielding on matters of principle, saying he made lasting impressions on everyone he encountered.
“Senator Ezea was the rock of Gibraltar in decision-making. Once convinced, nothing could move him. He fought tirelessly for the interest of the Igbo people and was always disturbed by any form of marginalisation of the South-East,” Umeh stated.
Umeh recalled that the late senator was a passionate advocate of the creation of Adada State, expressing strong confidence that the struggle would eventually succeed.
“He poured his entire passion into the Adada State agitation and never doubted that the cause would prevail,” he added.
He further commended the people of Nsukka Zone for their unity and organisation, particularly their decision to declare a special mourning period until February 17 to ensure a befitting burial ceremony.
Representing Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the Deputy Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, described the death of Senator Ezea as a monumental loss to Enugu State and the nation, noting that the late lawmaker was accessible and accommodating despite political differences.
“The governor acknowledged that working with Senator Ezea showed that true brotherhood can exist despite political diversity. He had the courage of a lion and spoke his mind to anyone, no matter how highly placed,” Ossai said.
In his tribute, a former senator who represented Enugu North Senatorial District, Chief Chukwuka Utazi, lamented the political injustices suffered by the deceased but noted that he remained steadfast until the end.
“Despite the odds and injustices, he never gave up. He fought on with courage and resilience until death,” Utazi said.
Hon. Harrison Ogara, representing Igboeze South State Constituency, traced the senator’s resilience and unwavering commitment to justice and the welfare of his constituents.
“The late senator never relented in his struggle for the emancipation of his people. We assure him that everything good he stood for will be sustained and realised without surrender,” Ogara pledged.
Also speaking, former Economic Adviser to the adminstration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Osita Ogbu prayed for divine intervention to fill the vacuum created by the senator’s death and expressed hope that his dreams for Nsukka land would be fulfilled.
Former Governor of Anambra State and ex-Senator, Dr Chris Ngige, described Senator Ezea as a disciplined and diligent public servant whose political life was marked by purpose and dedication.
Similarly, the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, said the late senator’s political journey was defined by perseverance, administrative fidelity and strong ideas.
“Good ideas were the secret behind Senator Ezea’s achievements. He was dogged, focused and faithful in administration,” Nwoye said.
The late senator who died in November 2025 will be laid to rest on Friday, February 13, 2026, at his country home, Itchi in Igboeze South local government area of Enugu state.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
