Senator Okey Ezea, the only member of Labour Party from Enugu in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, is dead.

Ezea, elected on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023 and remained in the party while others defected.

The news of Ezea’s death filtered into the National Assembly early Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from senators who described him as a calm, principled and deeply religious lawmaker.

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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) said he received the news “with profound shock and deep sorrow,” noting that Ezea was “more than a colleague” but a friend with whom he shared “a close and sincere bond.”

“Our friendship was built on mutual respect and brotherhood,” Kalu said, recalling their shared Catholic faith and moments of worship. He extended condolences to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the Nsukka community, and the late senator’s family.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) also described Ezea as a “wise and gentle” colleague who offered encouragement during challenging times.

“Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments, and I will miss you in chambers,” she wrote, adding that her constituents join Enugu North in mourning the late lawmaker.

Ezea’s death makes him the second serving senator from the South-East to pass away within two years.

In July 2024, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra South also died in London at the age of 52.